UPDATE: 30 cm of snow, 100 km/h winds prompts winter storm warning for 3 Okanagan highways
Published 8:00 am Tuesday, March 10, 2026
UPDATE 11:30 a.m.
Environment Canada has expanded the winter storm warning to both the Okanagan Connector and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton.
A mix of snow and heavy wind is expected as 10 cm is in the forecast for both stretches of highway, on top of the 20-30 for the Coquihalla.
All three highways will also experience winds up to 100 km/h, causing little to no visibility from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.
“A low pressure system crossing the southwest interior Wednesday night will bring another round of heavy flurries, blowing snow and strong winds to the southern interior highways,” stated Environment Canada. “Snow will begin in earnest late Wednesday afternoon as the low approaches the highways. As a sharp cold front associated with this low passes over the area Wednesday night, snowfall will intensify and winds will rise with strong wind gusts up to 100 km/h resulting in near zero visibility in blowing snow.”
Driving conditions will be challenging, the government weather agency added.
Weather conditions are expected to improve Thursday morning.
Original
The Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt is expecting another load of snow starting Tuesday night and going into Wednesday afternoon (Mar. 10-11).
Environment Canada issued the yellow snowfall warning on Tuesday morning, stating 20-30 cm of snow is expected.
“An upper low will bring another round of convective flurries to the highway tonight,” stated Environment Canada. “These heavy flurries will taper off early Wednesday morning. There will be a bit of a break before the next round of heavy flurries begin later Wednesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday night.”
Snow accumulation will be “highly visible” on the highway, the government weather agency added.
Environment Canada reminds drivers to be prepared if travelling due to hazardous driving conditions. Visibility will most likely be reduced in some areas.
