Significant snow and strong winds expected for Coquihalla Highway, travel not advised

Drivers are being asked to temporarily avoid travel on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt starting Tuesday (Feb. 27) night.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch for the stretch of Highway 5. Beginning Tuesday night and lasting into Thursday, the Coquihalla Highway is expected to see nearly 30 centimetres of snow and southwest winds of 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

It’s due to a strong pacific frontal system that will push into B.C.’s Interior. The weather agency says snowfall will intensify Tuesday night and last throughout Wednesday and into Thursday. Additionally, the gusty winds will begin Wednesday and last into Thursday.

Environment Canada warns that rapidly accumulating snow can make travel difficult over some locations and reduce visibility suddenly. Weather in the mountains can chance suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

A winter storm watch was also issued for the Trans Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass during the same timeframe.