Winter is coming: Snow expected on Coquihalla, Highway 97C

Snow may be on its way today and tomorrow for the Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector.

According to Drive BC, snow is expected on the Coquihalla near Merritt at high elevations today and tomorrow. There is a 40 per cent chance of thunderstorms and showers this afternoon, with winds gusting to 50 km/hr.

The Coquihalla Weather Mountain forecast is also predicting snow, with the heaviest falling on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Tonight, Oct. 10, the Okanagan Connector will experience snow near the summit with a 40 per cent chance of showers, according to Drive BC.

Every autumn, B.C. highway conditions start to experience a chilling transition, which usually lasts until at least February. To combat the higher risks of driving through snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures, the B.C. Government encourages travellers to prepare for winter.

Rapid changes in elevation and weather can make highway conditions in B.C. unpredictable during the winter. Most B.C. highways have high mountain passes where you are likely to encounter winter weather starting in October. You may start a trip in sunshine but face stretches of slush, ice, heavy snowfall, compact snow or avalanches along the way.

READ MORE: Heading out? You'll need snow tires on most B.C. highways starting today

Drivers must obey winter tire and chain signs throughout the province from Oct. 1 to April 30. For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.