Winter storm warning predicts 10cm of snow on Coquihalla summit

Drivers are being advised to rethink their travel plans because of an approaching winter storm along the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. Prolonged snowfall is expected tonight, April 3, until the evening of Tuesday, April 5, according to Environment Canada, prompting...

Winter storm warning predicts 10cm of snow on Coquihalla summit

Drivers are being advised to rethink their travel plans because of an approaching winter storm along the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt.

Prolonged snowfall is expected tonight, April 3, until the evening of Tuesday, April 5, according to Environment Canada, prompting a winter storm warning. 

Rapidly accumulating snow is expected to make travel difficult, and visibility may be suddenly reduced during intense periods of snowfall. Environment Canada is asking the public to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

READ MORE: The Coquihalla route was always a risk

Significant amounts of snow are expected at higher elevations as a result of an approaching Pacific system. Precipitation will begin as snow this afternoon, and snow levels are expected to rise near 1,000 to 1,200 metres. Lower elevations will receive rain and 10 cm is expected near the summit.

When snow levels drop tonight, it will result in widespread snow along the highway. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated on Monday when the system will move further inland. On Tuesday night heavy snow will begin tapering off to flurries.

Updates on road conditions can be found at Drive B.C.


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