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Hazardous storm to hit major B.C. highway with 30 to 40 cm of snowfall

Environment Canada issued a weather alert for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, as the B.C. highway is expected to receive a great deal of snow.

 Drive BC / Photo: Drive BC / Twitter

Yesterday, Environment Canada issued a weather alert for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt.

The department predicted that an intense Pacific frontal system would dump snow on the B.C. highway throughout the night, accumulating in 20 to 25 cm of snowfall. Now, the forecast calls for another dumping of snow, with another storm bringing 30 to 40 cm of snow to the Coquihalla by Thursday morning.

A moist and unsettled airmass will maintain flurries through Wednesday; however, snowfall is expected to intensify through the evening and continue through the night into Thursday morning.

As a result of the weather in the mountains, driving conditions may suddenly become hazardous. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

While the Vancouver forecast doesn't call for snow, it is calling for a great deal of rainfall. In fact, a rainfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada with rainfall totals of up to 60 millimetres expected by Thursday morning. As such, the area may experience localized flooding and water pooling on roads.