Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for parts of the B.C. Interior, including the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla.

It says there could be 15 to 20 centimetres of snow on that stretch of highway as well on the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna, and on Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via the Allison Pass.

The warning is also in place for the Highway 97 corridor from Clinton to 100 Mile House via the Begbie Summit.

“An atmospheric river will bring heavy snow to the high elevation mountain passes beginning Thursday afternoon,” Environment Canada said. “Gusty southwesterly winds will further reduce visibility in blowing snow.”

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult.”

Environment Canada says the freezing levels will rise above 2000 metres on Friday afternoon changing the snow to rain, with precipitation expected to ease by Friday evening.

Snowfall warnings are also in place in parts of Northern B.C., including the Prince George area north to the Peace River region, where the forecast is also calling for the potential of winds gusting to 60 kilometres per hour.

Special weather statements are also in place for eastern Vancouver Island and the inner south coast, including Metro Vancouver – but rain is not due there until late tomorrow, when 30 and 70 millimetres is expected, along with winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour through to Friday.

You’ll find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest on road conditions online from Drive BC here.