Winter storm warning: Up to 70 cm of 24-hour snow on Sea to Sky and Coquihalla highways

Feb 8 2017, 11:27 pm

Environment Canada is advising travellers to postpone highway travel through the mountains in the South Coast of BC and in southern BC.

Road conditions on the Sea to Sky Highway from West Vancouver’s Upper Levels to Whistler will rapidly deteriorate this afternoon when snowfall resumes.

From Wednesday afternoon to Thursday night, up to 15 cm is expected over the southern areas of Howe Sound and between 40 cm and 60 cm is forecasted from Squamish to Whistler.

Blizzard conditions can be expected with blowing snow reducing visibilities. Strong northerly winds near 70 km/hr will continue over southern sections of Howe Sound.

There is also a risk of freezing rain tonight between West Vancouver’s Upper Levels and Squamish.

Even greater accumulations of between 50 cm and 70 cm over a 24 hour period can be expected on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt. As well, along the Trans-Canada Highway, between 15 cm and 20 cm is forecasted near Lytton and approximately 50 cm near Boston Bar.

“Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” reads the federal weather agency’s warning. “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”

“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

In Metro Vancouver, forecasters expect up to 15 cm of snow for areas close to the warming influence of sea water and up to 20 cm for areas further inland.

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DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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