UPDATED: Winter storm warning for Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass
By Nelson Daily Staff
Environment Canada continued its Snowfall Warning for Boundary, West Kootenay for Friday.
Environment Canada said a strong Pacific frontal system continues to hammer the interior highway passes with heavy snow.
“Snow at times heavy will continue today, tonight, and into Saturday,” Environment Canada said said. A”dditional snowfall amounts of 20 to 60 cm can be expected by Saturday afternoon.”
The public is urged to drive with caution as weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
Shift into Winter reminds drivers to know before you go. Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains. Road conditions are available at DriveBC.
Snowfall Warning for Boundary, West Kootenay
Environment Canada updated its recent Special Weather Statement to a Snowfall Warning Thursday morning as a weather front is expected to stall over the Southern Interior Thursday night, bringing upwards of 60cm of snow.
“Hazardous winter conditions are expected,” said the Environment Canada website Thursday morning.
“An approaching frontal system will track inland today and stall across the southern interior tonight. Snow at times heavy will begin this evening and persist through Friday. Snowfall amounts of 30 to 60 cm can be expected by late Friday afternoon.”
Environment Canada said rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult and visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions,” Environment Canada said.
Shift into Winter reminds drivers to know before you go. Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains. Road conditions are available at DriveBC.
Environment Canada issues Special Weather Statement for Boundary, West Kootenay
Just in time for Christmas, a winter storm is brewing over the Southern Interior of the province forcing Environment Canada to put out a Special Weather Statement, including Boundary and West Kootenay.
Environment Canada said in its Special Weather Statement that heavy snow is expected over the southern interior mountain passes on Highway 3 beginning Thursday evening.
“An approaching frontal system will track inland on Thursday and stall across the southern interior,” Environment Canada said. “The snow will begin in earnest Thursday evening with periods of snow persisting well into the coming weekend.
Environment Canada said for Allison Pass, Coquihalla Summit and Kootenay Pass, between Salmo and Creston, initial indications are for 15 to 25 cm of snow to fall Thursday night.
Environment Canada said Rogers Pass, Coquihalla Highway – Helmer Lake and the Okanagan Connector – Pennask Summit are expected to see 5 to 10 cm of snow.
“Strong southwesterly winds aloft will introduce some warmer air to southwestern BC Thursday night, and it is possible that snow will become mixed with rain over Coquihalla Summit and Allison Pass,” Environment Canada said.
“The heaviest snow is expected to be Thursday night. However, periods of snow will continue into the weekend with additional accumulations likely.”
In advance of what could be a busy period for holiday travel, drivers are urged to please keep an eye on route forecasts and be prepared for winter road conditions.
Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Check out Shift Into Winter website for driving tips.
Road conditions are available at DriveBC.
