Multiple winter storm warnings are in effect for B.C.'s Southern Interior highways as Enironment Canada warns about hazardous driving conditions.
A strong winter storm is expected to move into the interior today and bring 15 to 20 cm of snowfall. A snowfall warning in effect for the Trans-Canada Highway - Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass, as well as Highway 97 - Pine Pass.
The department is also calling for a hazardous windstorm on the Coquihalla highway - Hope to Merritt. The warning notes that a strong Pacific storm will move through the Fraser Valley tonight and Saturday, and that snow, at times heavy, will fall through the night before tapering slightly on Saturday. A total of 20 to 30 cm of snow is possible depending on how quickly the transition from rain to snow occurs.
Last night, storm conditions hit Southern Interior highways hard, causing multiple crashes and closures. The snow fell hard on the Interior's high-elevation mountain passes Thursday night, with webcams on the Okanagan Connector and the Coquihalla showing snow blanketing the roads.
A large power outage, presumably caused by the downed tree knocked out power to a large chunk of Golden and the surrounding area, impacted more than 1,800 homes.
DriveBC reports the Trans-Canada is now clear east of Sicamous, following an overnight collision. In addition, Highway 3 is now open to single-lane, alternating traffic between Grand Forks and Christina Lake.
Due to the hazardous conditions, drivers should prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow, and therefore it is advised to stay alert at all times.
-With files from Castanet.
