Home »
Snow and frost bite cold forecast on the way
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is adding to a weather alert issued Jan. 31, warning about moderate to heavy snowfall in parts of the region with a drop in temperatures to follow, with frost bite chills forecast the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park areas tonight (Feb. 2).
With an Arctic flow currently moving through the East Kootenay from the northeast. Mainroad’s meteorological service predicts moderate to heavy snowfall, “starting at various times from Saturday night through Sunday morning, depending on location within the service area. The snowfall is forecasted to taper off throughout Monday,” Mainroad stated in an advisory this evening (Feb. 2).
Along with the snow, expect temperatures to plunge drastically on Sunday, Mainroad warns.
Environment Canada says frostbite temperatures are likely in the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park areas tonight, as well as tomorrow, including the Columbia Valley and Cranbrook/Kimberley areas.
“We have already noted rapidly falling temperatures in the Sparwood-Elkford area. We expect temperatures to remain well below freezing for several days after the precipitation ends,” the highways contractor noted.
“These weather conditions may result in formation of compact snow on roadways, which could lead to deteriorating winter driving conditions including slippery sections. All motorists are reminded to adjust their driving habits to the prevailing conditions. Prepare for winter conditions and avoid unnecessary trips. If it is necessary to drive, allow more travel time and drive with extra caution,” Mainroad stated.
“Our crews have been proactively treating local roadways with anti-icing chemicals. 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.”
Check Environment Canada for weather updates.
Check out e-KNOW’s front page for DriveBC camera images of highways in the region and nearby.
e-KNOW
