Snowfall warning lifted for North Okanagan, winter storm warnings for area highways still in place

— Original Story —

Environment Canada is warning of more winter weather impacting roads in the region.

The weather agency issued a snowfall warning for Vernon, the North Okanagan, and the Shuswap Friday, Jan. 31.

The warning stated a frontal system moving through the area would bring roughly 10 to 20 centimetres of snow accumulation to the area by midday Friday, but the snow would start to ease in the evening.

It noted the snow may reduce visibility or impact road conditions.

Additionally, winter storm warnings were issued for the Coquihalla Highway between Merritt and Hope and the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass Friday.

The warnings said the frontal system could bring between 25 and 35 centimetres of snow to the Coquihalla and 25 centimetres to the Trans-Canada.

Again, Environment Canada warned that the snow could reduce visibility and cause road conditions to change, resulting in dangerous driving conditions.

It advised people have winter tires equipped, prepare for trips in advance by bringing chains and making sure vehicles are in good working order, allow extra travel time, and check weather and road conditions at DriveBC before getting behind the wheel.

The fresh snow will also increase the avalanche risk in the Okanagan.

Avalanche Canada upgraded the risk rating to Level 3 out of 5, or considerable, as the fresh snow is falling in the upper terrain and may not bond to existing snowpacks.

The agency warned people to be cautious of wind-blown terrain as well as steep terrain that may pose a risk of loose avalanches.

The Level 3 risk rating was expected to remain in effect through the weekend.

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by Liam Verster

Snowfall warning lifted for North Okanagan, winter storm warnings for area highways still in place

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