Environment Canada has upgraded the Winter Storm Warning it issued last night for the Elk Valley, expanding it to most of the East Kootenay including all the South Country and Kimberley.

“Heavy snow has developed over parts of the Kootenay region this morning. Snow is expected to continue through today before easing this evening. So far five to 15 cm have fallen since late overnight. Up to another 10 cm is possible throughout this afternoon and early this evening, with the heaviest snow over southern sections near the US border,” Environment Canada stated.

While the Columbia Valley and Kootenay National Park areas are not included in the warning, flurries remain in the forecast along with cold temperatures.

DriveBC is reporting winter driving conditions throughout the East Kootenay, including black ice on Highway 95 between Yahk and the Idaho border and on Highway 3/95 from Yahk to Moyie.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.

DriveBC reports avalanche control work will commence at 3 p.m. local time today in Kootenay Pass on Highway 3. Work is expected to continue to 6 p.m., closing the highway during that time.

An alternate route is available from Nelson to Creston via Highway 3A/Kootenay Lake Ferry, estimated travel time 2.5 hours.

Check DriveBC for highways updates or see e-KNOW’s home page, upper right corner for local highways images.

Lead image: A look at Cranbrook earlier today. DriveBC images

e-KNOW

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