Snow squalls to hit B.C. Interior highways tonight

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for parts of central and southern British Columbia, warning of localized pockets of heavy snow that could bring up to 10 centimetres and sudden drops in visibility on Tuesday afternoon and overnight.

The statements cover the 100 Mile House area, the Chilcotin, the North Thompson, the South Thompson and Highway 97 between Clinton and 100 Mile House via Begbie Summit. The weather agency said the snow could fall anywhere in those regions, and road conditions could change rapidly.

A low-pressure system is bringing a cold, unstable air mass to the region, Environment Canada said. Rain showers are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon and quickly turn to flurries late in the afternoon or early evening. Most areas may see about five centimetres, but the agency said the nature of the system favours pockets of heavier snow.

The southern Chilcotin, including Dog Creek, could see snow starting Tuesday afternoon. For 100 Mile House and the North and South Thompson, the snow is expected tonight. In the Thompson regions, heavier, localized showers may pull snow levels down to near 600 metres, so the snow is forecast above that elevation.

Environment Canada advised travellers on local highways to prepare for rapidly changing road conditions and sudden changes in visibility. Drivers should slow down, leave extra following distance and check DriveBC for current highway conditions before leaving. The statements are in effect until Wednesday morning.

The system follows a heavy snow warning for Highway 97 near Muncho Lake in northern B.C. and a snow forecast for Calgary and Edmonton on Wednesday. Drivers can also review local winter parking bans as the season turns.

Residents who see severe weather can report it to Environment Canada at [email protected] or on social media using #BCStorm. Current alerts are posted on the Environment Canada weather site.

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