A stuck snowplow on Highway 97C UDPATE 7:45 p.m Highway 97C remains closed to westbound traffic at the Highway 97 interchange. DriveBC says the next update is expected at 8:30 p.m UPDATE 5:20 p.m A staggering 45cm of snow has fallen on the Okanagan Connector since the storm began. The freeway remains closed to westbound traffic due to the difficult conditions. DriveBC says the next update is expected at 7:15 p.m A driver who got off Highway 97C eastbound says the hill is full of jackknifed trucks or at the center barrier. “The rainfall has reduced for a few hours. However, more organized flurries are expected late this afternoon, bringing additional snowfall near 5 to 10 centimeters tonight,” Environment Canada said. Residents of Trepanier Street, an exit on Highway 97C, say they have received 45 centimeters so far. Valley floor snowfall warnings have now been lifted, but remain in place on some mountain passes where drivers reported white-knuckle conditions. Alerts remain in effect for the Okanagan Connector, Highway 3, Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass and Trans-Canada Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass. Highway 3 between Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass will see an additional 20 to 25 cm tonight. Another 15 to 20 cm will fall on the Trans-Canada between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass. Photo: Contributed Highway 97C UPDATE 2:15 p.m RCMP are blocking access to the Okanagan Connector on Highway 97 due to hazardous driving conditions. “BC Highway Patrol has ordered the closure of Highway 97C effective immediately due to treacherous road conditions at higher elevations,” RCMP said in a news release. “The closure will remain in effect until further notice.” The freeway remains open to eastbound traffic. UPDATE 12:25 p.m DriveBC reports that Highway 97C is now closed westbound between Merritt and West Kelowna. A traveler who has just traveled tells Castanet that there are a dozen vehicles in the ditch and several commercial vehicles turning around outside. There is no estimated time to reopen. DriveBC says the next update is expected at 4 p.m UPDATE 11:55 AM DriveBC reports that both Highway 3A, between Kaleden and Twin Lakes, and Highway 5A south of Aspen Grove have now reopened to traffic. There are now reports of a vehicle incident slowing northbound traffic on the 5 Freeway north of Merritt. Drivers are being told to expect delays. There are also reports of a vehicle blocking the 3 Freeway just west of Princeton. “Expect long delays in both directions,” says DriveBC. Unless you absolutely have to travel over the mountain passes, it is best to delay your trip. ORIGINAL 10:30 AM 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.
