Title: Snow Forecasted for B.C. Interior Highways This Weekend

Travelers heading to the British Columbia Interior for the Thanksgiving long weekend should prepare for significant snowfall. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Highway 97C, known as the Okanagan Connector, which runs between Merritt and Kelowna. Snow is expected to begin Saturday afternoon and could last through Thanksgiving Monday, with accumulations ranging from two to 10 centimeters.

The weather agency noted that a cold front moving through the Interior will lead to dropping temperatures starting Saturday afternoon. "Rapid cooling over the Interior combined with moisture from an upper low moving through Washington is likely to give snow over the high elevation highway passes," the agency stated.

In addition to Highway 97C, the weather alert also applies to Highway 3, which connects Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass. Drivers should be aware that snow may accumulate quickly on these highways, potentially reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.

As winter conditions approach, winter tires are now mandatory on most highways in British Columbia. These tires must display either the M+S symbol for mud and snow or a mountain and snowflake symbol. Additionally, they must have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimeters. Truck drivers are also required to carry chains on most highway routes throughout the province, ensuring safer travel during adverse weather conditions.