People are urged to prepare for extremely cold weather and snow in many communities across British Columbia, starting today and lasting into early next week.

After a warm start to winter across much of the province, British Columbians are encouraged to prepare for colder weather and winter road conditions in the days and weeks ahead.

Winter is coming and the Province is helping ensure people in B.C. are prepared for the arrival of colder temperatures and other winter hazards with new cold-weather response funding and preparedness resources.

With warming temperatures increasing the likelihood of rising water levels, British Columbians are encouraged to prepare for potential spring floods, while the Province, local governments and First Nations work together to keep people and communities safe.

Drivers are advised that Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway) will remain closed until at least Saturday afternoon between Hope and Merritt due to extreme weather conditions.

Snow and freezing rain forecast for today until Tuesday means poor driving conditions on highways in the southern Interior.  Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel.