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Heavy snowfall warning for South Country and Elk Valley
Environment Canada this morning issued a heavy snowfall warning for the southern half of the East Kootenay and extended a warning for the Elk Valley.
Heavy snow is expected in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Moyie and Yahk areas from late this afternoon through Saturday morning (Dec. 25). Around 10 cm is forecast.
In the Elk Valley a snowfall warning issued Dec. 22 has been extended with heavy snowfall continuing until Saturday, with additional amounts of 15 to 25 cm for Sparwood and 20 to 30 cm for Fernie and Morrissey areas between today and Christmas Day.
“A low pressure system off the Washington coast will give snowfall to the southern communities of East Kootenay. Periods of snow will begin late this afternoon and intensify this evening, before tapering off to periods of light snow Saturday morning,” Environment Canada reported.
Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
The warning does not cover Kootenay National Park or the Columbia Valley.
The valley will experience periods of snow with about five cm possible. A south wind of about 20 km/h, gusting to 40 could result in wind chill of minus 8 this afternoon.
In Kootenay Park, there will also be periods of snow. Amount two to four cm except five cm over southern sections. Wind northeast 20 km/h. Low minus 20. Wind chill minus 25 this evening and minus 30 overnight. Risk of frostbite, Environment Canada warns.
Mainroad East Kootenay crews are prepared and in anticipation are patrolling and pre-treating service area highways.
“Patrols and snow removal, where necessary, will continue until the event passes and roadways are clear and back to normal,” Mainroad stated.
“Temperatures are forecasted to significantly drop Saturday night and continue late into the week. Please give our road crews a safe distance to work.”
Mainroad’s 24-hour communications and dispatch office will pass on all your observations and concerns to its crews when contacted.
As always, a reminder to drive to the conditions and check www.drivebc.ca for updates.
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
