B.C. storm: Highway 99 being closed from Pemberton to Lillooet Tuesday
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'