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Major winter storm event warning: Mainroad
Make the most of the sun that is shining because the East Kootenay is about to be again blanketed by clouds with snow forecast from the morning of Friday, Feb. 3 to at least Monday, Feb. 6.
Temperatures are expected to get extremely chilly in the eastern portion of the East Kootenay again, with Environment Canada forecasting wind chill of -27 C on Friday for the Elk Valley. Temperatures will warm to seasonal averages on the weekend, with snow coming along for the ride.
Friday’s low temperature for Kootenay National Park is forecasted at -30 C, while the Columbia Valley, Cranbrook and Kimberley areas can all expect lows between -12 and -20 C.
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd. is warning residents of a “major winter storm event” forecasted for the East Kootenay “that is expected to last for several days and bring significant, continuous snowfall during that time.”
The snow and fluctuating temperatures mean regional highways will mean “severe winter driving conditions with snow covered roads, icy sections, blowing snow and decreased visibility,” Mainroad warned, adding its crews will be “out in force throughout the event, but motorists should expect and be prepared for increased travel times and rapidly changing road and weather conditions.”
As always, priority will be given to numbered highways and school bus/commercial routes during snow clearing operations. Watch for crews and equipment, and make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for cold weather travel.
“The extended nature of this event, combined with temperatures well below -9C at the outset means there will be compact snow on all routes until temperatures are warm enough to allow de-icing. Once de-icing is initiated, expect slushy conditions as the melt takes place. The heavy snowfall and changing temperatures also mean changing avalanche hazard ratings so please check DriveBC before heading out,” Mainroad recommended.
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting 24 hour hotline: 1-800-665-4929.
Please report road hazards and unsafe conditions. This hotline is used to update DriveBC, dispatch additional personnel and record public communication as required.
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