Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for several highways in the Kamloops area because of wet winter conditions in southern B.C.

The weather agency says snow and rain could bring hazardous driving conditions on high elevation roads, including the Coquihalla from Hope to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna.

There was between 5 and 10 cm of snow expected this morning on the Coquihalla Summit followed by 30 mm of rain this afternoon and evening. Rain will turn to snow later tonight into tomorrow, with another 15 cm of snow expected tomorrow. Allison Pass and Helmer Lake are expecting similar conditions, though with lesser snow and rainfall amounts.

Meanwhile, the Okanagan Connector could see between 15 and 25 cm of snow by tomorrow afternoon, while on the Trans Canada Highway between Eagle and Rogers Pass there could be 15 to 25 cm of snow before it changes to rain this evening, with another 5 to 10 cm of snow tomorrow.

“A strong warm front will bring a lot of moisture and increasing snow level to southern B.C. today and tonight,” a statement from Environment Canada said. “The trailing cold front will move across the region from the northwest to southeast on Wednesday, lowering the snow level and producing more snow over the highway passes.”

While non-essential travel is discouraged because of COVID-19, drivers are being asked the highway for the latest conditions before setting out as the snow level, timing, and amount can vary between different locations.

You’ll find all the latest details online at Drive BC.