BREAKING: Environment Canada Issues Special Weather Statements for region and highways

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the region as gusting winds of up to 70 km wreck havoc on highways and rivers.

The weather agency issued the statement saying, ” A strong low-pressure system will be moving across Southern BC this afternoon, likely bringing southwest winds with gusts of 70-90 km/h to the region. Merritt may not see winds as strong as the rest of the region, as it is sheltered. The winds are expected to pick up this afternoon and weaken by late evening.”

Highway 5, the Coquihalla,  both to Hope, remains closed with the last update at 7:08 p.m. Dec 15.

The weather system, which is associated with the recent flooding, forced hundreds from their homes in Abbotsford and left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity throughout the Coast, including the Fraser Valley and Vancouver region.

Highway 5 to Kamloops and Highway 97C, the Connector to Kelowna, are also under a Special Weather Statement.

Exercise caution when driving in crosswind-prone areas. The weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Check highway conditions anytime at DriveBC.com and Q101.ca.