Up to 60 centimetres of snow expected on Coquihalla Highway through Friday

A lengthy period of heavy snow is expected to fall on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt this week.

Starting Wednesday (Feb. 25) and lasting through to Friday (Feb. 27), Environment Canada says between 40 and 60 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on that stretch of Highway 5. It’s due to a frontal system passing through the region that will bring instability.

“Travel will likely be challenging,” the snowfall warning from Environment Canada said. “Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.”

Further west, the weather agency is also warning of a prolonged period of strong winds.

A wind warning is in effect for the Fraser Canyon, and its expected to be in place from Wednesday afternoon through until Thursday night. Gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected Wednesday before possibly exceeding 90 km/h Thursday. The wind is expected to ease late Thursday night.

People are being are asked to secure loose objects. Additionally, Environment Canada warns that power outages are possible as are possible disruptions to services and transportation.

To the east, a snowfall warning is also in effect for the Trans Canada Highway from Sicamous to Golden. Environment Canada says a frontal system will bring five to 10 centimetres of snow to Rogers Pass Wednesday night with an additional 10 to 15 centimetres possible Thursday.

The weather agency notes that additional snow is possible for Thursday night and Friday.

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest on highway conditions from DriveBC here.