Mainroad has issued a winter weather advisory for the East Kootenay with snow on the way. This photo was taken on Highway 3 near Jaffray earlier this month. Source: Facebook

Mainroad has issued a winter weather advisory for the East Kootenay with snow on the way. This photo was taken on Highway 3 near Jaffray earlier this month. Source: Facebook

Winter weather advisory issued for East Kootenay

Up to 5cm of snow expected by the end of the weekend and up to 15cm over the next week

  • Jan. 17, 2019 12:00 a.m.

Mainroad has issued a winter weather advisory for the East Kootenay with up to 15cm of snow predicted over the coming week.

Flurries were expected overnight and snow developing from south to north.

Mainroad’s meteorological service is predicting total snow accumulation up to 5cm by the end of this coming weekend and possibly 15cm total accumulation over the next week.

“Our crews will be proactively treating local highways with anti-icing chemicals prior to the weather event,” read the advisory issued late Wednesday.

“During the weather event, we will continue applying anti-icing chemicals and/or winter abrasive, and commence snow removal operations as required.

“This will continue on all highways until the event passes and roadways are returned to the acceptable standard and back to normal.”

Environment Canada says there’s a 30 per cent chance of flurries early this morning in Sparwood, where the Elk Valley’s official weather station is located.

About 2cm of snow is expected to fall today with temperatures dropping to -16C in the morning and -10C in the afternoon with wind chill.

Another 2cm could fall overnight as periods of snow continue late into the evening.

On Friday, there’s a 30 per cent chance of flurries in the morning then a mix of sun and cloud, with wind chill making it feel like a cool -13C in the morning and -8C in the afternoon.

See the full forecast here.

Mainroad’s communications and dispatch office operates 24 hours a day, contact 1-800-665-4929 with any observations or concerns.

For the latest information on driving conditions, visit Drivebc.ca.

Nelson Star