Snowfall warnings issued for Sea-to-Sky, Coquihalla highways

Anyone driving on B.C. highways — including the Sea-to-Sky and the Coquihalla — over the weekend may need to chain up.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for parts of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which runs from Squamish to Whistler.

“A Pacific weather system approaching the south coast will give snow to higher terrain,” the weather service said.

“With near freezing temperatures in place, snow levels should drop between 400 to 600 metres depending on precipitation intensity.”

Up to 20 centimetres of snow is expected on the stretch of the highway between Brandywine and Whistler, with accumulations over higher elevations.

“Snow will be heaviest Saturday morning, before transitioning to light showers or wet flurries by Saturday afternoon,” the weather office said.

Rain is expected south of Brandywine down to Howe Sound.

In addition to this snowfall warning, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt.

Up to 15 cm of snow accumulation is possible over some interior highway passes, it says. The statement is also in effect for Highway 3 between Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass and the Trans-Canada Highway between Malakwa and Eagle Pass.

Environment Canada reminds drivers to turn on headlights and maintain a safe following distance.