Rainfall Warning on Coq from Merritt to Hope among three for the area Wednesday

Area motorists should be extra cautious on the highways over the next 24 hours as Environment Canada has issued three Highway Alerts for the region.

Drivers commuting from Merritt to Hope on the Coquihalla, Highway 5, can expect hazardous driving conditions.

An atmospheric river is washing over several parts of British Columbia, with the worst of the weather system hitting parts of Vancouver Island, and the Fraser and Skagit valleys will bring snow to the Coquihalla Highway tonight.

Environment Canada reported that the snow won’t be on the ground long.

“Warm air with the system will result in snow changing over to rain overnight. Heavy rain will continue through Wednesday evening before tapering off. The highest rainfall amounts up to 80 mm are expected near Hope,” wrote Environment Canada.

The agency also noted that water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and travel delays are possible.

Meanwhile, an orange rainfall warning has been issued for Highway 3 – Hope to Princeton, via the Allison Pass, where  80 to 110 mm is expected to bring localized flooding and make some roads impassable. Motorists should also be aware that visibility on the highways will likely be reduced at times.

Drivers heading out onto the TransCanada from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass can expect 20-30 cm of snow as a yellow snowfall warning has been issued.

For changing weather and road conditions, head to www.drivebc.ca or www.q101.ca