B.C. closing parts of Highways 1, 3 and 99 on Saturday over weather concerns

The B.C. government has announced it is "proactively closing" parts of Highway 1, Highway 3 and Highway 99 on Saturday as the province braces for the next atmospheric river.

The B.C. government has announced it is "proactively closing" parts of Highway 1, Highway 3 and Highway 99 on Saturday as the province braces for the next atmospheric river.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the closures will impact Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet, and Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon.

"The exact time and duration of closures will depend on the weather," the ministry said in a news release.

"The highway infrastructure in these areas is extremely vulnerable following recent storms, and more heavy rain in the forecast poses an additional risk."

Officials said the closures will be re-evaluated Sunday morning, and routes will be re-opened as they are deemed safe.

In addition to those closures, Highway 1 between Popkum and Hope is being shut down Saturday afternoon for scheduled reservoir releases that will send water rushing toward parts of the highway that were impacted during last week's storm.

The Ministry of Transportation said further damage is expected on the highway, but that the releases are "crucial to protect the Jones Lake Reservoir, which is also being affected by the heavy rains."