By Corey Fischer

Freezing Rain Warning Issued For Okanagan, Coquihalla

Jan 5, 2018 | 11:10 AM

If the snow and ice isn’t enough — now residents and drivers have to be very concerned about freezing rain.

Environment Canada has issued warnings for the entire Okanagan –and other areas — saying freezing rain is expected or occurring.

“Areas of patchy freezing rain are now spreading over the North and Central Okanagan and over the Arrow Slocan regions as well as the North Thompson. The freezing rain should end through the afternoon and early evening as the nose of warmer air aloft is eroded,” says the advisory.

The weather agency says roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

“Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.”

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Meteorologist Doug Lundquist says its caused by a temperature inversion at higher elevations.

“Snow is falling at the mountain tops, it’s falling through a warm layer and melting and turning into rain, but falling through the cold air near the surface again, and it causes the water droplets to become super cooled. So even though it’s water drops, they’re below zero at minus 2 or 3 degrees, and when it hits the surface it can freeze instantly,” Lundquist tells Beach Radio News.

Lundquist expects it to continue into tonight and perhaps Saturday in patchy places.

A freezing rain warning is also in effect for the Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt – with ice build-up due to freezing rain is expected or occurring.

“Warm, moist air from a frontal system moving over a shallow surface layer of arctic air will result in a period of freezing rain today over Highway 5 between Hope and the Coquihalla Summit and over Highway 3 between Hope and Allison Pass,” says Environment Canada.

The precipitation will transition to a few flurries this evening in the wake of the system.

by Corey Fischer