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Environment Canada issues special weather statement for mountain passes

The weather alerts are in effect from now until this evening.
snowmountainpasses
Hwy 97C (Okanagan Connector), at Hwy 5A Junction, near Aspen Grove, looking north.

Environment Canada has issued multiple highway alerts for B.C. mountain passes Tuesday morning.

The special weather statements cover the Okanagan Connector, the Coquihalla, Hope to Merritt and Highway 3 at Allison Pass.

The weather alerts are in effect from now until this evening with total snowfall amounts expected between 5 and 10 centimetres, except at the Coquihalla summit and Allison Pass, where as much as 15 cm is expected to fall.

Environment Canada warns that local blowing snow will reduce visibility due to gusty winds.

"A slow-moving Arctic front will bring lowering freezing levels and the first snow of the season to the Southern Interior highway passes. A low-pressure system from the coast will spread more snow late today and tonight. Over Coquihalla Highway - Merritt to Kamloops, and Okanagan Connector - Merritt to Kelowna, total snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm are expected. Over Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt, and Highway 3 - Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass, total snowfall amounts near 5 to 15 cm are possible by late tonight," states the warning from Environment Canada.

Weather in the passes can change rapidly, and accumulating snow could make travel difficult in some locations. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

Check DriveBC for the latest on highway driving conditions.