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.
✅ OPEN – #BCHwy5 Southbound is now open between #HopeBC and #Merritt at the Othello Rd Exit (Exit 183) following an earlier vehicle incident. Expect delays as the congestion clears. Continue driving to winter road conditions.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 20, 2022
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.
⛔ CLOSED – #BCHwy5 Southbound is closed between #HopeBC and #Merritt at the Othello Rd Exit (Exit 183) due to multiple vehicle incidents. Crews are on route. Expect major delays and please avoid non essential travel. pic.twitter.com/lfJ8RcHo70
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 20, 2022
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.
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Breaking NewsCoquihalla HighwayHighway 5Highway 97HopeKelownaMerrittOkanagan
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)
