Photo of Highway 1, 20 kilometers west of Revelstoke, as of 10am, Dec. 25/via DriveBC
As had previously been warned, freezing rain is causing travel concerns throughout the Southern Interior on Christmas — and for at least the next 2 days.
“Snow and freezing rain forecast for today (Sunday) until Tuesday means poor driving conditions,” said the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in a release. “Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel.”
There have been reports of numerous accidents since Friday, when the storm began moving its way from the coast and into the Southern Interior.
This includes a bus crash on the Okanagan Connector early on Christmas Eve which sent 53 people to hospital.
“Since the severe storm cycle began on Dec. 23, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure maintenance contractors in the Southern Interior have been out in full force with more than 500 pieces of equipment across the region,” said MOTI. “They are continuing to plow, sand and salt the highways to ensure they remain as safe as possible.”
However, the Ministry is warning that “conditions can change quickly.”
⛔ #BCHwys closures due to High Avalanche Hazard ⛔#BCHwy1 – #HopeBC to #BostonBar #BCHwy1 – #Sicamous to #GoldenBC #BCHwy23 – #Revelstoke to #MicaDam #BCHwy31 – #Lardeau and Argenta Rd#Road40 – Tyax Junction to Yalokom Rd
ℹ️For more info:https://t.co/U4ZTx62XFr
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 25, 2022
It is warning drivers who do head out to use extreme caution and be prepared for highway closures on “short notice.”
This includes closures for avalanche hazards.
POV: It’s Christmas Eve, you’re trapped in #Sicamous because #BCHwy1 is closed all the way to #Golden and you’re on a bus with dozens of strangers, all sharing the same goal of getting home to see our families ❤️ #MerryChristmasEve2022#bertabound pic.twitter.com/91fOlOBpne
— Abby Zieverink (@ZieverinkAbby) December 25, 2022
Authorities are also asking people to adhere to the rules, noting there have been some who are making things worse for others.
#BCHwy1 – A police incident extended the 'closure' times between #Sicamous and #Revelstoke today, December 25, 2022.
A vehicle drove past traffic control into the High AvHazard & Avalanche Control area, & until the vehicle could be located, Avalanche Control work was delayed.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 25, 2022
The BC government is advising travelers to visit DriveBC for the latest information.
