If you were planning a weekend road trip, you might want to think twice.
Environment Canada has issued a special meteorological declaration for Highway 3, from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, and the Trans-Canada Highway, from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass.
The national weather agency said more than 8 inches of snow is expected to fall from Saturday night through Sunday morning.
“A series of moisture-laden systems associated with an atmospheric river from the Pacific will begin arriving Saturday night and will bring heavy snow to higher-elevation road passes over southeastern British Columbia,” the alert reads.
Environment Canada said that as of now, there is still uncertainty with the timing and total amount of snow expected for these roads, but the current model guidance highlights a period of heavy snowfall beginning Saturday night on the highway. 3, from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass. and the Trans Canada Highway, from the Eagle Pass sections to Rogers Pass.
“By late Sunday morning, freezing levels will rise above 2,000 meters and heavy snowfall is expected to turn into persistent rains through Monday,” Environment Canada said.
They warned that heavy snowfall can make it difficult to travel on roads, particularly with rapid warming in combination with heavy rainfall that can lead to excessive melting and localized flooding.
The warnings, they said, will likely be issued as the event approaches.
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Reference-globalnews.ca