UPDATE: 4:18 p.m.
The Coquihalla Highway is now open in both directions from Hope to Merritt.
However DriveBC is warning of freezing rain in the region. Be sure to check DriveBC before heading out on the roads.
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UPDATE: 3:17 pm
DriveBC is reporting the Coquihalla Highway - from Hope to Merritt -to reopen for 4 p.m. Thursday following multiple vehicle incidents.
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UPDATE: 2:35 p.m.
Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton and Highway 1 from Lytton to Hope will most likely not reopen today according to DriveBC.
The avalanche hazard has increased in the area due to freezing rain.
An assessment is currently taking place on both roads.
Several vehicle incidents have forced the closure of the Coquihalla; however an intense storm is forecast for the region.
Freezing rain is expected in the mountain passes this afternoon, turning back to snow later this evening. Environment Canada expects 10 to 30 cm by Friday morning, making travel difficult.
There is currently no estimated time of opening Highway 5.
#BCHwy3 closed from #HopeBC to #Princeton due to avalanche hazard. Freezing rain increasing hazard. Opening today unlikely. Assessing.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) February 9, 2017
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It’s a good day to just stay home.
Highways east of Hope are all closed due to vehicle incidents and avalanche warnings.
Highway 5
Highway 5 is closed between Hope and Merritt, due to multiple crashes and weather conditions.
Highway 1 and Highway 3
Both Highway 1 and Highway 3 are closed east of Hope, due to an avalanche warning.
The Ministry of Transportation is placing an advisory in effect for Highway 1 in both directions, between Craigalachie to the Alberta border.
Environment Canada forecasts a strong winter storm to cross the area Wednesday evening to Thursday.
Accumulations of up to 30 cm are expected, followed by warming temperatures and rain in some areas, leading to slippery driving conditions.
Closures of the Trans-Canada for avalanche control are anticipated, including one from 2 to 4 p.m. today when the highway will be closed in both directions 17.2 kilometres east of Golden.
Environment Canada also advises motorists that 25 cm of snow is expected to fall in the next 24 hours from the junction Highway 97 in Monte Creek to Craigellachie.
The Trans-Canada Highway is closed in both directions from Jackass Mountain Summit to the junction with Highway 12, Lytton South Access because of Avalanche Control.
All traffic can take alternate routes via Highways 8 and 5. There is no estimated time of opening.
Getting to and from Vancouver from the Interior will be troublesome today. Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton is closed because of an avalanche hazard. There is currently no estimated time of opening.
Regional roads
Traffic in cities such as Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton are reported to be slow going do to Wednesday night’s snowfall.
Periods of light snow are anticipated in the South, Centra and Northl Okanagan throughout the day and into tonight. With temperatures steady around minus 2.
Check DriveBC for updates before heading out onto the roads.
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