MERRITT, B.C. — Four people were taken to hospital after a series of collisions on Highway 5 south of Merritt, B.C., as weather conditions deteriorate on the route.
BC Emergency Health Services says three ambulances were sent to an incident on the highway, also known as the Coquihalla Highway.
#BCHwy5 CLOSED southbound between #MerrittBC and #HopeBC because of spun out commercial vehicles. Assessment in progress. Alternate route: Highway 8 and 1. Next update 12:00 PM.https://t.co/3Le0QTi3yW
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 19, 2017
The service says in a news release that initial reports said nine people were injured, but only four people were taken to hospital in stable condition.
More vehicles involved in this #Coquihalla incident near #Merritt as captured by #Chopper9. The highway remains closed Southbound at Coldwater Road. pic.twitter.com/NkFsAgXVOl
— Sheila Scott (@Sheila_Scott) December 18, 2017
The provincial Transportation Ministry says the southbound lanes reopened more than four hours after the incident, but delays are expected to persist in both directions.
A travel advisory has been issued as harsh winter conditions, including snowfall and blowing snow, are expected for the highway between Hope and Merritt.
Environment Canada forecasts up to 30 centimetres of snow for the region through Wednesday.
It’s happening... snow outside the @CTVVancouver studio ❄️🙀 pic.twitter.com/lE9z9lwwse
— Sheila Scott (@Sheila_Scott) December 19, 2017
The Fraser Valley fell under a winter weather warning, in addition to a snowfall warning and special weather statement. White Rock, southeast Surrey and Langley are likely to see about 10 centimetres accumulate by Tuesday evening, Environment Canada said.
Burrard Street Bridge has been closed for hours. No timeline for reopening. But the bike lane is being plowed. #BCstorm #BCsnow pic.twitter.com/eCUrujoQKV
— Nafeesa Karim (@nafeesakarim) December 19, 2017
And here's a look at our weather station atop #Coquihalla #BCHwy5. Snowing heavily, likely upwards of 40CMS today. The @BCRCMP said it best: If you don't need to, DON'T!! #DriveBC #ShiftIntoWinter or rather #ShiftIntoACoffeeShop #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/DbvJUWZAop
— ECCC Weather BC (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 19, 2017
#BCHwy99 Vehicle Stalls in both Northbound and Southbound directions on the #LionsGateBridge. Expect delays.Crews are on scene. Drive with care. pic.twitter.com/Lq2Aw6jyEe
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 19, 2017
Good morning from the B.C. Weather Office.
— ECCC Weather BC (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 19, 2017
Lots of #snow across southern B.C. with a strong winter storm moving through today. For all the latest updates go to https://t.co/fHbdT6U2Fu #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/jcrpKda7Ni
Rain is becoming mixed with snow in #Richmond and @YVR as we tweet. Snowfall warning being issued for #MetroVancouver https://t.co/CM7gUpVj6f 5cms near sea level and 10-15cms over higher terrain including #NorthVan, #WestVancouver @SFU #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/dNJytfBaY3
— ECCC Weather BC (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 19, 2017
Snow piling up on #Hwy3 - #Hope to #Princeton. 20cm and counting at Allison Pass. Stay tuned to our weather forecasts at https://t.co/fHbdT6U2Fu. #BCstorm #DriveBC pic.twitter.com/woRe2zSK12
— ECCC Weather BC (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 19, 2017
