B.C. storm: Highway 99 being closed from Pemberton to Lillooet Tuesday

Vancouver -

The B.C. government has once again closed Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet as the province grapples with the third atmospheric river in less than a week.

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said concerns about the impacts of the latest storm prompted the government to close that stretch of the highway at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Highway 1 remains closed between Abbotsford and Chilliwack and between Popkum and Hope, meaning Highway 3 and Highway 7 will be the only major routes connecting the Lower Mainland and Interior after Highway 99 shuts down.

"Drivers should expect some delays," Fleming said. "I do remind drivers that these routes are not up to the same condition as before the first storm arrived two weeks ago."

Parts of both routes are also only open for essential travel. The restriction applies to Highway 3 from the junction of Highway 5 to the west entrance of Princeton, and Highway 7 from Murray Street in Mission to the Highway 1 junction in Hope.

Essential includes everything from transporting food, water and health-care supplies to moving livestock and seafood products. A full list can be found on the B.C. government website.

Public transit, school buses and charter buses are also allowed on Highway 7, but not Highway 3.

That atmospheric river marks the third to reach B.C.'s South Coast in less than a week, and officials have strongly discouraged non-essential travel even on highways that remain fully open.

"There is uncertainty about this next storm as the forecast models do vary," Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Tuesday. "For now, what people should do is to get prepared. Being prepared makes a huge difference."

Those who decide to travel during intense storms have been advised to be prepared with food, water, warm clothes, a blanket and an emergency kit.