Snowfall warning issued for the Coquihalla Highway, with up to 25 cm expected

A snowfall warning is in effect for the Coquihalla Highway with up to 25 centimetresin the forecast.

Environment Canada said 10 to 15 centimetres of snow has already fallen over the mountain pass between Hope and Merritt, B.C. Another 10 to 15 centimetres is expected by Friday evening.

There should be fewertravellers on the highway, regardless of the weather, asBritish Columbians are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On Thursday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henrywarned againsttourism and other unneccessary travel within B.C.to protect small communities, which are particularly vulnerable tooutbreaks because they have fewer health resources.

Health Minister Adrian Dix echoed theadvice, asking the public toresist the urge to hunker down in vacation homes.

"This is not the time to travel," Dix said.

However, the Coquihalla, part of Highway 5, is still being used byessential workerslike truckers, transporting critical goods between the Lower Mainland and the Interior. Those drivers are reminded to slow down and drive for the conditions for safety.

Wintertireregulations remain in place until April 30 on many B.C.highways to account for early spring snowfall.