Environment Canada has issued a snowfall earning for Highway 3 – Paulson Summit (west of Castlegar) to Kootenay Pass, with snowfall up to 15 cm anticipated before precipitation turns to rain.

The warning runs from now (Oct. 18) to Saturday morning (Oct. 19).

Environment Canada has also issued a rainfall warning for the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass, with 50 to 80 mm of rain expected.

“A strong Pacific low pressure system will arrive in B.C. and bring heavy snow to the high elevation mountain passes tonight to Saturday morning. Total snowfall amount of 10 to 15 cm is expected through the night before turning into rain on Saturday morning,” Environment Canada stated.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.”

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.

For information on emergency plans and kits go to getprepared.gc.ca. The site shiftintowinter.ca reminds drivers to know before you go. Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains. Snowfall warnings are issued when significant snowfall is expected. Road conditions are available at drivebc.ca.

Lead image: Kootenay Pass/Highway 3 at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. DriveBC photo

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