A number of highway alerts are in place between the Lower Mainland and the Thompson Okanagan. 

As of Saturday morning, rainfall warnings are in place for Hwy 3 from Hope to Princeton and from Hope to Merritt via the Coquihalla (Hwy 5). 

Photo Credit: DriveBCBrenda Mine Hwy 97C camera Saturday morning.

Up to 50 millimetres of rain is expected for parts of both highways between this morning and into the afternoon. 

“A second frontal system is moving across the south coast and is giving rain that will continue through this afternoon,” stated an Environment Canada notice.

“Rainfall amounts up to 50 mm are expected before the rain eases to showers by late this afternoon. Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”

Alongside those alerts are wind warnings for the above-mentioned highways as well as Hwy 5 between Merritt and Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna. 

“A strong low-pressure system is set to pass through Southern BC this afternoon. As the system passes, southwest winds are expected to pick up with gusts ranging from 80-90 km/h, with a possibility of slightly stronger gusts,” added Environment Canada.

“The system will be fast-moving and, as such, winds should taper off by the evening period. Local utility outages are possible. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind.”

Drivers are being warned to prepare for possible disruptions on the highways and should give themselves extra time to travel. 

Up-to-date conditions can be found online at this link.