Storm Inflicts Major Damage on B.C.’s Highway 3, Disrupts Power
Significant damage has occurred along Highway 3 in British Columbia due to an intense storm. The atmospheric river rainfall has led to substantial repair needs for this vital roadway, affecting travel between the South Coast and the Okanagan region.
Highway 3 Damage Overview
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation reported that 22 locations along Highway 3, from Hope to Princeton, suffered damage. Notably, 11 of these sites experienced extensive issues.
- Five culverts failed, causing partial washouts.
- Some sites require full culvert replacement.
- A newly identified site has a blocked culvert, complicating repairs.
Impact on Services and Community
Cleansing flood conditions have hampered efforts to assess and repair damaged roadways safely. The government warns that the timeline for reopening affected areas remains uncertain. Recovery efforts are hindered by ongoing severe weather, including snowfall warnings and heavy rain.
The storm’s impact extended beyond highways, resulting in power outages for thousands across the province. Wind gusts topping 100 km/h caused trees and power lines to fall, affecting communities.
- Schools in Kootenay-Columbia, Kootenay Lake, and the Lower Mainland canceled classes.
- In Fernie, emergency measures were taken for the wastewater system due to increased risk of failure.
Ongoing Weather Challenges
Environment Canada issued winter storm warnings for various highways. These included:
- Highway 1 from Sicamous to Golden
- Highway 3 from Grand Forks to Creston
Up to 30 centimeters of snow was predicted in these regions, further complicating travel and recovery efforts.
