Gusts of up to 80 km/h expected for Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Merritt, Okanagan Connector

Drivers are being warned of challenging conditions on a pair of mountain highways in the Merritt area.

In a special weather statement online, Environment Canada says wind gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected Thursday (Feb. 26) for the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Merritt and the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna.

It’s due to a frontal system that’s bringing strong southwesterly winds to B.C.’s Interior.

“Travel may be difficult due to high winds, especially for high profile vehicles,” Environment Canada states. “Local blowing snow may be possible. Adjust your driving to changing weather conditions. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

A wind warning remains in effect for the Fraser Canyon Thursday.

Meantime, snowfall warnings remain in effect for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt and the Trans Canada Highway near Rogers Pass between Sicamous and Golden, as up to 30 more centimetres of snow is expected for both stretch of highways until Friday.