UPDATE: Icy roads lead to rash of highway crashes south of Vernon
The icy roads led to police responding to nine motor vehicle collisions this morning around the North Okanagan.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
One of the worst areas was on Highway 97 south of Vernon where RCMP say over ten vehicles were involved in crashe, leading to the road being closed for two hours for northbound travellers.
It started at around 8:00 a.m., when officers responded to a report of a three-vehicle collision in the northbound lane of Highway 97 near the intersection of Bailey Road. While enroute to the scene, police received additional reports of collisions occurring in the same area.
“In a short period of time, over ten vehicles were involved in either single-vehicle or multi-vehicle collisions along an approximately 1 kilometre long stretch of Highway 97,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and only minor injuries were reported to police in all of the incidents. The northbound lane of Highway 97 was closed completely to traffic for approximately two hours and southbound traffic was limited to one lane to allow police and other emergency responders to safely complete their work.”
As temperatures drop this evening, the slush and water on roadways will turn into ice, and Mounties are asking motorists to avoid travel if possible.
“If you do need to travel, please use caution as sudden changes in weather can cause road conditions to deteriorate. Reduce your speed, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the next, and adjust your driving to the conditions,” Terleski advised.
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Roads very icy: Drivers urged to use extreme caution
Jan 12, 2022 | 10:25 AM
Highway 97 south of Vernon has reopened to northbound traffic.
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The weather is creating a perfect storm when it comes to roads and driving conditions in the North Okanagan this morning.
Rain falling on top of ice and snow is making it extra icy.
Recent snowfall and freezing rain has led to icy and slippery roads throughout the North Okanagan. Speed limits are meant for ideal conditions so please slow down, use caution, and give yourself additional time to make it safely to your destination this morning. pic.twitter.com/Ds1ALplhjs
— Vernon North Okanagan RCMP (@VernonNOkRCMP) January 12, 2022
There have been a number of accidents on local highways including a semi jack-knifing south of Vernon and a reported multi-vehicle accident near the landfill turnoff that has caused major traffic backups.
DriveBC says Highway 97 northbound is closed due to a vehicle incident between Kalamalka Lakeview Drive and Birnie Road (2 km south of Coldstream). A detour is in effect using Kalamalka Lakeview Drive. The next update is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Vernon Matters has reached out to RC MP for details on the local accidents.
“Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use extreme caution as they travel in and around Vernon today, where roads may appear to be wet, but may actually be icy due to changing weather conditions,” said a statement issued by the City of Vernon just after 9:00 a.m.
The city said a fleet of its trucks are sanding and salting roads across Vernon; however, the slippery conditions are reported to be across the whole city and region.
“Please slow down, give yourself extra space with other vehicles, watch carefully for other travellers, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination,” the statement added.
Environment Canada is forecasting periods of wet snow mixed with rain throughout the day.