This morning’s snow fall has caused havoc on area roads and highways, causing several accidents.
Motorists are urged to take caution if they must travel today, as crews are scrambling to clear roads in and around town. An accident on Westside Road (near O’Keefe Ranch) is causing delays. There are also a couple trucks flipped over just before Falkland.
Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP received reports of 11 accidents or cars in the ditch up to 11 a.m. but none were described as major or serious accidents.
The heavy snowfall is also putting stress on trees and power lines. There are reports of tree branches breaking under the weight of snow, therefore caution should be taken outdoors.
Environment Canada reports snow will turn to rainfall today.
DriveBC reports compact snow with slushy sections on Highway 6 and Highway 97. Check DriveBC.ca for updates and road conditions.
The snow storm has also knocked out power to many homes in the North Okanagan. The largest outage, of nearly 1,000 residents, is south of Highway 97 in Lake Country/Vernon. BC Hydro expects power to be restored by 4 p.m.
Another 84 residents in Lumby are without power due to a downed line south of Trinity Valley Road and west of Mabel Lake Road. BC Hydro expects power to be restored by 4 p.m.
For more information visit www.bchydro.com/outages/
