Overnight Snow Blankets North Okanagan Creates Slushy Commute
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March 16 2026 - Snow arrived in the North Okanagan overnight just as forecast, leaving much of the region under a fresh blanket of snow by morning.
Across parts of the area around Vernon, residents reported between 12 and 17 centimetres of snow, roughly five to seven inches, by early Monday.
By dawn, temperatures had climbed to around 0°C, causing the snow to begin melting on major routes and turning roads into a heavy, wet and slushy mess.
With the snow came the inevitable crashes.
Emergency responders across the North Okanagan dealt with multiple incidents through the morning, along with the usual mix of medical calls, warming fires and reports of downed wires.
In several areas movement was hampered by snow accumulating faster than plows could clear it.
From semi-trucks to SUVs, several vehicles were reported in ditches or involved in collisions as drivers struggled with the slippery conditions.
There are currently no active weather warnings for the Vernon area. However, a snowfall warning remains in effect just to the north for the Shuswap region, including Salmon Arm, where Environment and Climate Change Canada says another 5 to 10 centimetres of snow could fall before temperatures warm and the precipitation changes to rain.
Travel there is expected to remain difficult with reduced visibility and accumulating snow on roads and walkways.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the Vernon area calls for rain today with a high around 7°C and a 30 per cent chance of showers tonight.
Tuesday is expected to remain mainly cloudy with a chance of showers and a high near 15°C.
Mid-week conditions are forecast to turn milder and windy with highs reaching 17°C Wednesday, while the rest of the week is expected to bring cloudy skies and periodic chances of showers before a mix of sun and cloud returns by Sunday.
Overnight Snow Blankets North Okanagan Creates Slushy Commute
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