Snow expected on highways through Interior mountain passes

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Snow is in the forecast for the mountain passes in the Interior, and given the time of year, Environment Canada is trying to get the word out.

A special weather statement has been issued of the several highways through mountain passes as a cold low moves into our region.

Environment Canada is calling for the snow level to drop to 1,000 metres tonight, May 15. The weather system is expected to drop between two to 10 cm of snow by tomorrow afternoon.

The weather statement covers the Okanagan Connector from Kelowna to Merritt, the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Kamloops and from Merritt to Hope, along with Highway 3 westbound from Princeton to Hope via the Allison Pass, and Highway 3 eastbound through the Kootenay Pass and Paulson Summit.

Forecasters says the snow levels will rise tomorrow afternoon to about 1,500 m on Highway 5 and Highway 3 westbound, turning the snow to rain. The snow will continue tomorrow afternoon over the summits on Highway 97C and Highway 3 eastbound.

For the latest forecasts, along with special weather statements, watches and warning, go to the Environment Canada website.

For the latest road conditions in the province check out the Drive B.C. website.

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