Part of BC's Coquihalla Highway closed during winter storm warning

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.