Environment Canada is forecasting heavy snowfall for Kamloops-area mountain passes starting today, Oct. 23.

The weather agency has issued a special weather statement, saying as much as 5 to 10 cm of snow could fall on the Merritt to Kamloops section of the Coquihalla, with a few centimetres of snow expected on other mountain passes tonight – including the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla – through Tuesday.

“A slow-moving arctic front will bring lowering freezing levels and the first snow of the season to the Southern Interior highway passes,” Environment Canada said in its special weather statement.

“A low pressure system from the coast will spread more snow late Tuesday and Tuesday night.”

Special weather statements are also in effect on the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna, between Eagle and Rogers Pass on Trans-Canada Highway, and on the Yellowhead Highway from Tête Jaune Cache to the Alberta Border.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” Environment Canada added.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”

Yellowhead Road and Bridge General Manage Dave Duncan told Radio NL their crews have been preparing for the winter season over the last few weeks. Speaking on The NL Noon Report, he said they’re ready for tonight, suggesting drivers should also do their part to be prepared for the change in conditions.

“The first storms of the year for drivers that have been going through a nice summer season is always a bit of a shock to the system,” Duncan said. “We’re just really encouraging everyone out there that if you’re going to be out on the highway to have your equipment winter ready.”

This same Arctic front is due to bring temperatures down throughout the Southern Interior this week. Overnight temperatures in Kamloops are due to hit around -5 C by Friday.

For the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada, go here. For the latest highway conditions from DriveBC, go here.