BC’s Coquihalla Highway is closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt, DriveBC announced on Twitter Monday afternoon.

The closure comes as a winter storm hits BC’s South Coast, bringing wet snow to much of the region on the first day of winter. The region’s highways are currently the subject of a winter storm warning from Environment Canada.

Highway 5, also known as the Coquihalla, is closed due to “multiple incidents,” according to DriveBC.

• See also:
  • Check out Metro Vancouver’s first snowfall of winter (VIDEOS)
  • Special weather statement for Metro Vancouver remains in place ahead of wet snow

The agency asked drivers to use an alternate route, and reminded everyone to avoid non-essential travel per public health guidelines.

⚠️❄️ #BCHwy5 #Coquihalla the road is CLOSED in both directions between Hope and Merritt due to multiple incidents. Please use alternate routes and avoid any non essential travel. Next update at 4:00 PM.#HopeBC #Merritt ⚠️❄️

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 21, 2020

The Coquihalla connects the Lower Mainland to BC’s Interior, following a route from Hope to Kamloops. Alternate routes include Highway 1 to the north and Highway 3 to the south.