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UPDATE: Coquihalla open southbound following multiple crashes

Snowfall warnings and travel advisories are in effect for Coquihalla Highway, Okanagan Connector
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Larson Hill on the Coquihalla Highway as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 as the highway is expected 10-15 centimetres of snow and temperatures anywhere from -22 to -27, feeling like -27 to -40 with wind chill. (DriveBC)

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.

The Coquihalla is now open southbound. The vehicles involved on the crash have been cleared.

Delays are still expected in the area.

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.

The Coquihalla Highway (5) is closed southbound due to multiple vehicle incidents at the Othello Road exit (183).

Crews are on route and major delays are expected in the area.

Original

DriveBC has put travel advisories in effect for both the Coquihalla Highway (5) and the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97) on Tuesday morning.

The advisories are following snowfall on the highway in which Environment Canada put warnings out on Monday.

On top of cold temperatures and snow, high winds are in the area as well causing drifting snow and low visibility for drivers. Travellers are advised to turn their lights on, drive slowly, and maintain distance from other drivers while navigating the roads.

The snowfall warning from Environment Canada is expected to last the whole day as 15-20 centimetres are expected to fall and winds are to reach 20-40 kilometres per hour.

Crews and equipment will be working on clearing the highways throughout the day and travellers are to expect delays.

The current temperature at -22 C, feels like -27 C.

READ MORE: ‘Dynamic and fluid’ arrest with police dogs closes Gordon Dr. intersection, Kelowna

READ MORE: Cancellations at YVR airport, BC Ferries as heavy snow and extreme cold blankets B.C.


@cunninghamjordy
jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com

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The Coquihalla Highway is closed southbound following multiple vehicle crashes at the Othello Road exit. (Google Maps)


Jordy Cunningham

About the Author: Jordy Cunningham

Hailing from Ladner, B.C., I have been passionate about sports, especially baseball, since I was young. In 2018, I graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree
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