Weather statement issued for Coquihalla, Okanagan Connector

A wind warning has been issued for the Kamloops area and two major Interior highways with strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h on Monday.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement calling for moderate to strong winds.

Wind gusts reaching 70-90 km/h are possible this afternoon into the evening.

The special weather statement covers the South Thompson, including Kamloops, the Nicola, including Merritt, the Coquihall and the Okanagan Connector.

“A strong low pressure system will be moving across Southern BC this afternoon, likely bringing southwest winds with gusts of 70-90 km/h to the region,” the statement said.

“Merritt may not see winds as strong as the rest of the region as it is sheltered. The winds are expected to pick up this afternoon and weaken by late evening.”

Local utility outages are possible,, Environment Canada said.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving in crosswind prone areas.

The Coquihalla and Highway 3 are also under a rainfall warning.