Photo: DriveBC

The Coquihalla Summit Saturday morning.

While there are sunny skies above Kelowna Saturday morning, a storm is coming.

Environment Canada upgraded its winter storm watch to a warning Saturday morning, calling for up to 25 cm of snow to fall on the Okanagan Connector, Coquihalla Highway, Allison Pass and Rogers Pass Saturday evening.

Webcam footage shows snowy conditions at the Coquihalla Summit Saturday morning.

While rain is forecast to fall at the Valley bottom beginning this afternoon, it could turn into snow through the evening.

“A strong Pacific frontal system is forecast to move into the southern interior late today bringing snow and strong winds,” Environment Canada says.

“The snow will be heaviest tonight with up to 25 cm expected. However, the Okanagan Connector will see the heaviest snow after midnight with up to 15 cm forecast. Strong westerly winds gusting to 60 km/h will cause blowing snow and near zero visibility.”

The snow is expected to end early Sunday morning. Environment Canada is recommending postponing any non-essential travel during the storm.

While the heaviest snow is forecast to fall on the high-elevation highways, up to 10 cm could fall across much of the Interior through the night, even at lower elevations. A special weather statement has been issued for all of the Okanagan, including Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon, along with most of B.C.'s Interior.

“A band of heavy snow and strong northwest winds associated with the front will cause poor visibility for about two or three hours,” Environment Canada says. “Many areas will see 5 cm of snowfall while higher elevations could see as much as 10 cm.”