The Sunday Summit (pictured) as well as the rest of Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton has been issued an orange rainfall warning by Environment Canada as 80-110mm of rain is expected on Wednesday, Dec. 10. (DriveBC Traffic Camera)
The wet weather is set to continue on a few B.C. Interior highways on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Environment Canada has re-issued an orange rainfall warning for Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton as well as a yellow warnings for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt (rainfall), Highway 1 from Hope to Boston Bar (rainfall), and Highway 1 from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass (snowfall).
For Highway 3, 80-110 mm of rain is expected throughout the day, into Wednesday evening. An orange warning has been issued because the rain could cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts.
Environment Canada introduced the new colour system for weather warnings at the end of November. More about the new system can be found here.
"An atmospheric river over the South Coast of B.C. is bringing heavy rain today," said Environment Canada. "Warm air with the system will cause freezing levels to rise and snowmelt combined with the already saturated ground and heavy rain, will likely result in high streamflows and localized flooding."
The federal weather agency adds that localized flooding is likely and some roads might become impassable.
For Highway 1 from Hope to Boston Bar, 60-80 mm of rain is expected throughout the day. While the Coquihalla is expecting the same amount of precipitation, it's likely snow changing to heavy rain as temperatures rise during the day and could go into Thursday morning.
Higher up in the mountains, the Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass stretch of Highway 1 is expecting 20-40 cm of accumulated snow on Wednesday.
"A moist Pacific frontal system moving across the interior will bring heavy precipitation to the Columbias," stated Environment Canada. "Heavy snow will continue near the pass today through tonight. As snow levels rise this afternoon, snow may change to rain along portions of Highway 1."
Environment Canada reminds motorists to drive with caution and allow extra time for travel. Current road conditions are available on DriveBC.