Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd. is alerting drivers about a weather event anticipated to impact the East Kootenay service area over the next 48 hours.

Mainroad’s meteorological service is predicting snowfall of varying intensity, depending on local area.

“Currently there is a weather system affecting the Alberta side of the Rocky Mountains, the western edge of which happens to be sitting over the East Kootenay. Cranbrook, Kimberley and Yahk are expected to be affected by flurries and light snow; communities from Morrissey eastward, such as Sparwood, Elkford, and Fernie are expected to receive fairly heavy snowfall,” Mainroad outlined in an advisory.

“Forecasted accumulations over the next 48 hours vary from two centimetres to over 20 cm or higher, depending on location. However, it is worth noting that forecast confidence in the specific amounts is low. Confidence in location is higher: that snow will fall more heavily in the eastern locations than in the west.”

After Wednesday morning, the weather is expected to become more challenging, as temperatures are expected to fall for the rest of the week. Road surface temperature, in particular, is forecast to be low enough that anti-ice measures will not be effective at melting snow and ice.

For this reason, motorists should expect driving conditions to include compact snow on roadways for the next several days.

“We would also like to ask motorists to please stay aware that Environment Canada alerts that have been issued for the Alberta side of Crowsnest Pass. This area is outside the East Kootenay service area, but your travels may be affected.

For more information visit www.weather.gc.ca.

“Motorists may have noticed our units proactively treating major routes with anti-icing chemicals ahead of the event arriving, and the white chalky lines on the road surface as a result. Our crews will continue applying anti-ice chemicals and/or winter abrasive and performing snow removal operations where necessary,” Mainroad stated.

Finally, a reminder to visit www.drivebc.ca before heading out, watch your speed and drive to the conditions.

Lead image: A file shot of a Mainroad plow operating on Highway 3 near Fernie last winter. e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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