Drivers are advised that heavy snowfall is expected for much of the southern Interior over the next 48 hours, causing challenging travel conditions on a busy pre-holiday weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning beginning early this evening, with 30 to 60 centimetres of snowfall expected by Friday afternoon for the Coquihalla from Hope to Merritt. Other heavily impacted areas include:

• Okanagan Connector – Merritt to Kelowna
• Highway 3 – Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass
• Trans-Canada Highway – Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass

Ministry staff are working with maintenance contractors as they monitor weather reports, pre-treat routes where appropriate and proactively prepare materials and equipment. Staff will be monitoring the roads to ensure contractors are meeting the ministry’s standards.

While snow plows will be out in full force to maintain the safest driving conditions possible, drivers need to expect winter conditions. Travellers are advised to bring warm winter clothing in case they need to get out of their vehicles, ensure they have a full tank of gas and carry an emergency kit.

Winter tire regulations are in effect. For rural highways and mountain passes like the Coquihalla, mountain/snowflake tires offer the best traction in winter driving conditions. Mud and snow (M+S) tires are appropriate for most south coast highways.

As this is the final travel weekend before the holidays, the ministry strongly advises drivers to plan ahead, slow down and drive appropriately for the road conditions.

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, check @DriveBC on Twitter or: DriveBC.ca