Holiday travellers planning to use British Columbia's major mountain corridor this weekend are being urged to prepare for severe winter conditions. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a significant snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Highway, forecasting a substantial dump of snow that will coincide with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Significant Snowfall Totals Expected
The federal weather agency is predicting challenging conditions for Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. According to the alert, up to 30 centimetres of snow is expected near the highway summit on Friday. The system will continue into Saturday, bringing an additional 10 to 15 centimetres. This could bring total accumulations for the two-day period to around 45 centimetres in the highest passes.
The cause is a series of low-pressure systems moving across the B.C. Interior. These systems will not only deliver heavy snow but also create potentially dangerous driving conditions, including reduced visibility and a high risk of road closures. Drivers are strongly advised to reconsider non-essential travel during the peak of the storm.
Travel Advisories and Safety Precautions
With many people hitting the road to visit family for the holidays, authorities are emphasizing caution. Visibility will be significantly reduced at times in heavy snow and blowing snow, making driving particularly hazardous. The warning explicitly states that road closures are a distinct possibility if conditions deteriorate.
Officials are directing all motorists to:
- Continuously monitor weather alerts and forecasts from Environment Canada.
- Check for real-time road conditions, closures, and advisories on the DriveBC website and social media channels.
- Ensure their vehicle is equipped with winter tires, a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit.
- Allow for extra travel time and drive according to the conditions.
Coastal Forecast: Rain, Flurries, and Possible Thunderstorms
While the Interior braces for snow, Metro Vancouver is facing a mix of wet weather. Environment Canada forecasts a chance of showers and possible wet flurries over higher terrain for Friday morning, with a risk of a thunderstorm. Overnight, residents at higher elevations can expect some snow, a continued risk of thunderstorms, wind gusts, and a low temperature of around 3 degrees Celsius.
This weather event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often severe conditions on British Columbia's mountain highways during the winter months. Planning ahead and staying informed are the best tools for ensuring a safe journey during the festive season.
