If you’re planning on taking Hwy 3 to the Kootenays today, the weather may pose a bit of an issue.

Usually it’s snow that causes problems on this stretch of highway, but today it will be the wind.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Hwy 3 between the Paulson Summit and Kootenay pass, saying some exposed high elevation sections of the route could get wind gusts up to 100 km/h.
 

The worst of the wind is expected late this morning and this afternoon.

The conditions are due to “an arctic ridge of high pressure building over BC, combined with an intense low over the northwest US.”

On the bright side, the roads look fairly clear of any snow of ice at the Paulson Summit and DriveBC webcams show decent driving conditions at the Kootenay Pass as well.

For all the latest road conditions and potential closures, visit the DriveBC website.