A stuck snowplow on Highway 97C More snow is on the way to the Thompson-Okanagan before it starts raining this afternoon, followed by another frost tonight. In an updated snowfall warning at 10:05 a.m., Environment Canada said the atmospheric river moving across the Thompson-Okanagan is bringing wet snow to the region. About 35cm of snow had already fallen on the Okanagan Connector as of 8:30am. with another 15 to 20 cm expected throughout the rest of the day. The Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt has received 10 to 15 cm, with another 10 to 15 cm on the way. A similar total area is expected on Highway 3 Hope in Princeton. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” Environment Canada said. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, sidewalks and parking lots can become difficult to navigate due to accumulated snow.” Frost levels will rise to 2,000 meters this afternoon. For context, Pennask Peak on Highway 97C is 1,728 meters while Coquihalla Peak is at 1,230 meters. The ice level will then drop back to the valley floor, around 500m, by midnight tonight, likely making roads slippery as things freeze again. Total snowfall accumulations in the valley floors are expected to be 10 to 15 cm. CAR CLOSURES There are currently unconfirmed reports that Highway 97C is closed at Brenda Mines due to multiple accidents and slippery conditions. DriveBC reports that Highway 3A is closed between Kaleden and Twin Lakes due to a vehicle incident. Highway 5A is closed south of Aspen Grove due to a crash. This story will be updated throughout the day with the latest on the blizzard hitting the area.
