Snow and rain expected to make for difficult highways east of Hope

CHILLIWACK — A series of winter storm warnings cover mountain passes throughout B.C.

The bulletins span the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton as well as Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, and the Trans-Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass in the Revelstoke area.

Environment Canada says snowfall totalling 25 to 40 centimetres is expected along those routes, with the exception of the Coquihalla summit, which could see up to 50 centimetres before conditions ease later tonight.

Meantime Hope and the eastern Fraser Valley is under a heavy rainfall warning. Environment Canada estimates the area could receive up to 50 mm of rain Sunday. Gusty winds are also expected. The heavy rain could create havoc for highway travellers because of the potential of water pooling along the road. The rain is expected to begin to ease up Sunday evening.