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Kamloops  

Winter storm brings white-knuckle driving to Coquihalla

Coquihalla in nasty shape

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.

DriveBC is advising motorists heading south on the Coquihalla to expect major delays due to an incident between Zopkios and Box Canyon.

Driving conditions are treacherous and other routes should be considered.


UPDATE 1:45 p.m.

DriveBC has now issued a travel advisory for Highway 5, the Coquihalla.

Both directions of the highway between Exit 192 and Exit 228, 5 km north of Coquihalla Summit to 15 km north of Hope are impacted by limited visibility with snow, blowing snow, limited visibility and dense fog.

Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement and RCMP have set up near the Sowaqua Creek Road and are enforcing chain-up and winter regulations.

Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31.

DriveBC indicates their next update won't be until 4:00 p.m. Pacific time.


ORIGINAL 7:44 a.m.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt and Highway 3 - Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass.

A frontal system is expected to move across the B.C. interior on Thursday hazardous winter conditions are expected.

Snow is expected to become heavy at times later this morning. Snowfall amounts near 30 cm can be expected by Friday morning.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

You are advised to check DriveBC and Castanet traffic cameras for the latest driving conditions.



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