UPDATE: Police say Highway 99 will reopen at 4 p.m.
"Crews are salting the fastlanes; expect flooding and a speed limit of 60 kilometres an hour," said Cpl. Angela Kermer.
“We thank highway crews for working to keep drivers and their passengers safe. We need drivers to respect the crews' work, the roads, the weather, and the speed limit when travelling so everyone makes it safely to their destination.”
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Heads up to anyone still planning to travel this Christmas Eve: Highway 99 is closed from Alice Lake to Whistler, according to police.
Police said the closure is necessary due to and traffic accidents, and that other areas of Highway 99 are "almost impassable."
As of 3 p.m., police were asking for continued patience, as crews are dealing with "significant multi-lane flooding at Callaghan."
“The highway from Alice Lake to Function Junction is closed as driving conditions are treacherous. We strongly recommend people to stay home and not drive any other part of the highway unless absolutely essential,” said Cpl. Angela Kermer of the Sea to Sky RCMP in a release. “Even responders have had challenges driving the highway and accessing collision scenes due to highway conditions, weather, and visibility.”
A travel advisory is also in effect between Alice Lake Rd and Old Cariboo Rd (about 70 kilometres north of Lillooet to Squamish), according to .
"Expect extreme water pooling due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, and ice-clogged drains," the advisory reads. "Travellers are advised to reduce speed and use caution. Please slow down and drive with care. Heavy snow fall in mountain areas. Travellers should expect compact snow and winter driving conditions."
All transit routes in Whistler have also been suspended, according to BC Transit.
More to come...
