Freezing rain warning issued for Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt
For those heading out of town on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt this weekend, Environment Canada is warning it could be a potentially slippery journey, due to freezing rain in the forecast.
For those who have to travel the route, the agency is reminding drivers that as a result of the freezing rain, “surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous.”
In addition, travellers are being warned that ice build-up may cause tree branches to break and fall.
Environment Canada said the freezing rain is being caused by “warm, moist air from an approaching Pacific frontal will begin to move over a shallow surface layer of arctic air late today.”
The temperature is then expected to rise above the freezing mark near noon Friday.
That said, “weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions,” the agency reminded drivers. “Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains.”
A bout of ice and freezing rain caused havoc on roads and neighbourhoods in the Fraser Valley last week.
Continuously updated road conditions are available online.
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