Crews prepare for more snow on Coquihalla Highway

A snowfall warning remains in place for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, with drivers being told to prepare for unpredictable and potentially hazardous conditions.

The area, which has already seen its share of ice and snow in recent days, is expected to see 15 to 20 more centimetres by Thursday afternoon.

Crews are out in preparation for the additional snow. Laine Pare, who manages Reliable Towing in Merritt, says, currently, conditions are “rough.”

“There are hard packs stuck all over the road. It’s snowing and they’re calling for 10 centimetres today,” Pare said in an interview with CityNews Wednesday.

Pare is urging people who are driving through the region to plan ahead. That includes letting others know where they are travelling to, and keeping water, blankets, and anything that may sustain them for hours, with them, in case of emergency.

In a Facebook post, Yellowhead Road & Bridge Nicola Ltd., the contractor responsible for the Nicola Service Area, says it is preparing by applying “de-icing materials to remove compact snow before a severe drop in temperatures.”

“If you come across crews salting, please be cautious as they will be travelling well below the speed limit,” the company adds.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is urging people to “adjust your driving with changing road conditions” and to slow down if visibility is limited.

Vehicles must also have on the appropriate tires for the season if they are driving through mountain passes right now.

Just days ago, a man was killed in a car crash on the Coquihalla. The cause is still under investigation but the crash came as southern B.C. was starting to be hit by this arctic system, bringing frigid temperatures, snow, and icy conditions.

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