Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope re-opened amid weather statement

The Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope has reopened this morning after poor highways caused a motor vehicle incident early Monday morning forcing the highway to close for hours.

The closure just one of a hectic day on the highways after a low pressure system hit the area with freezing rain, ice pellets and compact snow.

Highway 5 from Merritt to Kamloops was closed for several hours on Sunday afternoon after RCMP reported a number of crashes occurred on the highway south of Helmer Road caused by unsafe driving conditions.

Highways in the region such as Highway 5 and 5A from Merritt to Kamloops, Highway 97C, Highway 97D and Highway 8 are snow covered with slippery patches today as well, so caution is being urged.

Meanwhile Environment Canada has issued a snowfall advisory for the Coquihalla from Merritt to Hope today. The weather agency says that an weather system will bring between 15 – 20 cm of total accumulation to the highway making travel challenging.

Visibility on the highway will also be limited with wind gusts of up to 50 km/h.

Motorists are asked to ensure you are prepared for the highways with an emergency kit and plenty of fuel in your vehicle as delays may happen today on the Coquihalla.

Environment Canada says the weather system should leave the region later this evening.

A reminder that before you head out onto the highway, check out Q101.ca or DriveBC.