UPDATE 4:30 p.m.
The roads have been reopened, however there are still slippery sections according to Drive BC to be aware of.
The city of Hope is also experiencing severe flooding and power outages.
READ MORE: Heavy storms wash away CN rail line, cause power outages across Fraser Valley
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Coquihalla and Highway 97C have been closed due to significant flooding and debris on the road.
As of 10:40 a.m. the southbound lanes have been cleared and reopened for travel, although caution is still advised.
Assessment of the extent of the flooding and the estimated time for when roads will be reopened is currently underway by DriveBC.
UPDATE #BCHwy5 SB is OPEN between Othello Rd. and #MerrittBC due to debris on the road and flooding. NB remains CLOSED. Assessment in progress, no current detour available. Next update is 12pm. #HopeBC
For more info: https://t.co/RDVlF1zVuv— Drive BC (@DriveBC) February 1, 2020
The closure stretches from Merritt for both Highway 5 and 97C, and south to Exit 183 for Peers Creek Road.
There is no current time for when the northbound lanes will be open again for travel.
Travellers trying to make their way from Vancouver will need to take an alternate route to Hope along Highway 3, which is currently open to traffic.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<p<
@PentictonNews newstips@pentictonwesternnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
