Parts of B.C. Highways 1, 3 and 99 closed due to storm
Planned closures of highways between the Lower Mainland and the Interior due to the ongoing storm began at 2 p.m. Saturday.
B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure had announced Friday that it planned to close portions of Highways 1, 3 and 99 due to the increased risk of flooding and mudslides on those already-damaged routes as another atmospheric river batters the province. The initial announcement did not specify what time the closures would begin.
On Saturday, the ministry confirmed that Highway 1 would be closed in the Fraser Canyon and between Popkum and Hope at 2 p.m.
Highway 3 closed between Hope and Princeton at the same time.
Highway 99 was scheduled to close between Pemberton and Lillooet at 4 p.m., the ministry said Saturday.
"The duration of closures will depend on the weather," the ministry said in a statement. "The closures of these three highways will be re-evaluated on Sunday morning, with the highways reopened when safe to do so."
The three roads being closed Saturday were already limited to essential travel only under the provincial state of emergency. All three suffered significant damage during the devastating storm that struck the province earlier this month, and were reopened with temporary repairs in place.
In its statement, the ministry described the three highways as "extremely vulnerable" to more damage from heavy rain.
The storm hitting the province Saturday is the second in a string of three atmospheric rivers that were expected to bring heavy rain and warm air to B.C.
On Friday, Environment Canada issued an unprecedented "red alert" for parts of the province still recovering from the previous storm, saying already-reeling communities could be especially vulnerable to the effects of rain, melting snow, rising rivers and landslides.
This is a developing story and will be updated
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.