Heavy Snowfall Impacting Travel

Photo: There has been heavy snow in downtown Vernon today, with Environment Canada forecasting up to 15 cm’s by tonight.

The first winter storm of the season has led to some accidents and road closures.

Drive BC says a crash at Westwold earlier has Highway 97 down to single lane alternating traffic with up to 20 minutes delay.

There is a detour through Back Road in Westwold.

RCMP have not yet released details of the crash, but we’ve been told it involved an empty school bus and a vehicle, with reports of serious injuries to the vehicle’s driver

There was also a couple of crashes on Coquihalla Highway earlier but that route is open.

Snowfall warnings remain in place for the Okanagan, Shuswap and South Thompson with 10 to 20 cm’s is expected.

The snow will ease to a few flurries by midnight tonight.

About 200 BC Hydro customers remain without power in Vernon and Coldstream due to a power pole being knocked down on the DND grounds, which may not be fixed until 4 pm.

Okanagan College’s campus in Coldstream was affected earlier but everything is back on line now

Kelowna International Airport has had several delays and cancellations  due to the weather.