Coquihalla Highway Brace for Winter's Full Fury: Up to 40 cm Snow Expected This Weekend

Well, folks, if you're planning any sort of road trip through the B.C. interior this weekend, particularly along the vital Coquihalla Highway, you might want to seriously reconsider – or at the very least, prepare for an absolute winter wonderland... and not the fun kind. Environment Canada has issued a hefty snowfall warning for the Coquihalla, specifically the stretch between Hope and Merritt, anticipating a significant dump of the white stuff.

We're talking about a serious amount here. Forecasts are pointing towards accumulations of up to 40 centimeters, that's roughly 15 to 16 inches for those thinking in imperial, expected to fall by Saturday evening. And honestly, some models are even hinting at localized pockets that could see even more, especially over the higher passes. It’s a classic B.C. mountain scenario: a powerful Pacific frontal system is barreling in, and it's running straight into a cold air mass that’s already settled over the region. The result? Snow, and lots of it.

The flakes are expected to start flying in earnest late Friday afternoon or early Friday evening, really picking up steam and continuing through the day on Saturday. Now, what does this mean for anyone brave enough to hit the highway? Well, you can expect rapidly accumulating snow, which, as we all know, makes for incredibly hazardous driving conditions. Visibility will likely drop dramatically at times, making it a white-knuckle ride even for experienced winter drivers. Factor in slippery roads, and you've got a recipe for potential delays, spin-outs, or even highway closures.

So, the message is pretty clear: unless your travel is absolutely essential, it might be best to postpone that trip until conditions improve. If you absolutely must go, please, please, please make sure your vehicle is fully equipped for winter. We're talking proper winter tires, a full tank of gas, emergency supplies, and a charged phone. And crucially, before you even think about heading out, check DriveBC.ca for the latest road conditions and any advisories. Things can change very quickly in the mountains, you know?

It's worth noting that while the Coquihalla is getting the brunt of it, other mountain passes in the region could also see significant snow. We're keeping an eye on Highway 3 through the Allison Pass, and even parts of the Sea to Sky Highway towards Whistler might get a good dusting. Meanwhile, for folks in Metro Vancouver, it looks like we'll mostly be spared the snow, experiencing instead a rather wet and chilly weekend with plenty of rain. Still, don't let that lull you into a false sense of security about the interior passes!