More snowfall warnings issued for South Peace and Pine Pass

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — As much as 15 centimetres of snow is expected in the South Peace region and Pine Pass area on Highway 97.

In a December 17th weather advisory, Environment Canada said a frontal system will bring heavy snowfall to the areas beginning on the morning of Wednesday, December 17th, before easing into lighter flurries later in the morning.

According to Environment Canada, around two to four cm of snow has already fallen, with a further 10 cm expected.

Under Environment Canada’s colour-coded alert system, the alerts are considered yellow level.

Yellow alerts indicate hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruptions or health impacts. These alerts are typically moderate, localized, short-term and are the most common.

The agency also reminded drivers to use caution when travelling, as reduced visibility is likely.

“If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance,” Environment Canada said.

The ‘Shift Into Winter’ website by Road Safety at Work also recommends drivers who plan on driving in wintry conditions take precautions, including proper use of winter tires and tire chains.

For the latest updates on road conditions, visit DriveBC’s website.

This comes amid a snowy spell in northeast B.C. which has seen, according to the City of Fort St. John, more than 50 cm of snow in the month of December, nearly doubling the monthly average.

Because of this, the city hired contractors to assist with roads deemed category four, frontage roads and downtown paved lanes, and category five, which are residential and commercial streets.