Strong winds, snowy highway conditions expected for much of Interior B.C.
Published 7:30 am Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Strong winds are expected overnight Tuesday, Dec. 16 and into Wednesday morning for a large part of Interior B.C.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement due to a “vigorous cold front” which will bring strong southwesterly winds throughout the Interior including to the Okanagan Valley, Similkameen, Nicola, South Thompson, the Fraser Canyon, the Cariboo and the Chilcotin.
The winds are expected to ease Wednesday morning, but may lead to tree damage, power outages and travel delays.
Environment Canada has also issued a winter storm warning for Eagle Pass to Roger Pass. Light snow will begin Tuesday afternoon and intensify overnight and into Wednesday morning, bringing up to 30 cm of snow to the region. Westerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h are also forecast, with blowing snow expected to cause near zero visibility.
Environment Canada warns drivers that weather can change quickly in the mountains, causing hazardous driving conditions for the passes, as well as for Clinton and 100 Mile House via Begbie Summit due to the winds.
There is also a snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, with up to 35 cm of snow expected beginning Tuesday morning and tapering off Wednesday morning. Snow may be mixed with rain at times, especially along areas south of the Coquihalla summit, and winds gusting up to 70 km/h could bring blowing snow.
Highway alerts have been issued for the Coquihalla from Hope to Kamloops and for the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna due to the strong winds.
DriveBC continues to urge drivers to exercise caution or consider delaying travels on the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt and on Highway 1 between Lytton and Hope as heavy rains risk causing debris flows, flooding or washouts.
Severe weather can be reported by email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting on X using #BCStorm.
Stay up to date by visiting Environment Canada and DriveBC.
