Heavy snowfall brings warnings to Southern Interior, highways

Feb 17, 2018 | 8:23 AM

KAMLOOPS — The forecasted blast of wintry weather has arrived in Kamloops, and snowfall warnings blanket most of Southern B.C.

Snowfall warnings are in effect for the South Thompson, Nicola, and Shuswap regions, as well as the Coquihalla Hwy and Fraser Canyon. 

Snow began falling early this morning, with total accumulation of 10-15 cm expected in most areas under warnings. 

Environment Canada meteorologist Andre Besson says all southern passes, including the Coquihalla Hwy will receive significant snowfall. 

“We have 20 cm expected for the Coquihalla Hwy Summit today with a further 5 cm for tonight,” Besson said. “That’s because we have this entrenched cold air over the area and any type of moisture associated with any weather systems moving over the region is translating to snowfall.” 

DriveBC has issued travel advisories for the Coquihalla Hwy from Kamloops to Hope. 

Besson says the snow will begin to ease toward evening as the low pressure system moves further south. 

“I do expect snow to linger around the area into early morning, but then we should see a drying trend for Sunday into Monday.”