Another winter storm warning issued for Hwy 3, up to 50 cm of snow expected

Guess who’s back?

Winter storm warning’s back.

Environment Canada is once again predicting a huge dump of snow along Hwy 3, between Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass.

As much as 50 centimetres of the white stuff is expected to accumulate, starting today and extending into Thursday night.

⛓️🚛#BCHwy3 #KootenayPass Commercial vehicle chain-up now in effect for both directions. ❄️
ℹ️ https://t.co/XE4HYKJqo9 #SalmoBC #CrestonBC pic.twitter.com/6Lb5nv2mhH

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 13, 2024

Environment Canada said drivers should watch out for reduced visibility and “slippery driving conditions.”

“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions,” the forecaster said.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”

DriveBC, meanwhile, has warned that a commercial vehicle chain-up requirement is now in effect on the highway.

In an image posted to social media early this morning, the traffic monitor showed the highway caked in snow at Kootenay Pass.

About 15 centimetres of snow is also expected in the North Peace River region, where a separate snowfall warning has been issued, before easing overnight.

The weather office says that same system has also prompted rainfall warnings for northern sections of Metro Vancouver and Howe Sound, while a special weather statement along the west coast of Vancouver Island from Tofino south to Clo-oose warns of waves of up to four metres.

It says water levels could reach 60 centimetres above the normal highest tide and may push the water into low-lying areas and could sweep beachgoers into the ocean.

The latest advisories come on the heels of a wind storm that knocked out power to thousands on the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island overnight Wednesday, while also causing numerous ferry cancellations.

– With files from Canadian Press