Storm front: Environment Canada warns of possible ‘squall line’ and ‘heavy flurries’ in Rogers Pass

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the North Columbia, warning of possible thunderstorms, precipitation and flurries at higher elevations.

They’re also warning of a ‘squall line’. According to Wikipedia, that’s: “a line of thunderstorms forming along or ahead of a cold front. In the early 20th century, the term was used as a synonym for cold front. It contains heavy precipitation, hail, frequent lightning, strong straight-line winds, and possibly tornadoes and waterspouts. Strong straight-line winds can occur where the squall line is in the shape of a bow echo.

Here is Environment Canada’s Oct. 17 statement:

10:45 PM PDT Monday 16 October 2017
Special weather statement in effect for:

• North Columbia

Potential for very strong wind gusts and intense thunderstorms beginning late Tuesday morning.

An intense fall storm will impact much of British Columbia tonight and Tuesday. The storm’s low pressure centre is forecast to move across the central Interior Tuesday morning. As the low passes, very strong westerly wind gusts are expected beginning late Tuesday morning. There is also potential for a squall line to develop with intense thunderstorms. Strong gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy showers, possibly mixed with flurries, can all be expected with the passage of the squall line.

Snow levels will drop sharply in the afternoon to near 1000 metres. Over Rogers Pass, there is the possibility for heavy flurries and strong winds to reduce visibility to near zero creating challenging driving conditions.

There remains some uncertainty in the precise track and strength of the low. Wind Warnings and/or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings may be issued as the situation unfolds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #BCStorm.