One of three warming centres has closed this evening as one of two road closures on Highway 3 has been lifted.
The corridor between Elko and Fernie had been closed due to high avalanche hazard and avalanche debris on the road. With its reopening, the warming centre in Elko has been shut down.
Highway 3 remains closed at the BC/Alberta border and the warming centres at the Sparwood Leisure Centre and Fernie Community Centre remain open. There is still no estimate on when the highway through the Pass may reopen.
In spite of the road reopening in the Elko area, travellers heading east are being urged to avoid Highway 3 and use the Highway 93 route through Kootenay National Park.
The snowfall warning for the Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere areas has ended as the snowfall is expected to taper off to flurries this evening; however, the snowfall warning remains in place for the Elk Valley with the potential for strong, gusty winds and reduced visibility.
Drivers throughout the East Kootenay are being urged to stay off the highways for all non-essential travel as there is still limited visibility, heavy snow and blowing snow throughout the region.
To stay on top of the latest advisories and conditions, residents and travellers are encouraged to check the following resources before heading out:
• _Drive BC: http://www.drivebc.ca
• _Alberta Road Reports: http://511.alberta.ca/
• _Environment Canada: http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc