UPDATE: Heavy snowfall grounds flights in Kelowna and Penticton

Heavy snowfall Tuesday in the Central Okanagan has forced the cancellation of two dozen flights in and out of the Kelowna International Airport.

Twelve departing flights to several locations including, Vancouver, Edmonton, Victoria and Toronto have been grounded.

As of 2:30 p.m today, 12 arrivals into Kelowna International Airport have also been cancelled.

Airport director Sam Samaddar said adverse weather conditions at several airports is causing disruptions.

“We’re going to continue to take it hour by hour and day by day as the weather dictates,” said Samaddar. “The weather that has hit us has hit other stations, such as Vancouver, Calgary and Victoria.

“Crews are working here and the runway remains open.”

Samaddar said planning meetings were held Monday in anticipation of the heavy snowfall and confirmed there “is lots of staff and capabilities” on hand at the airport to deal with the situation.

Detailed information on arrivals and departures is available here.

The snow is also reportedly causing issues at the Penticton Regional Airport where all flights have been cancelled.

WestJet reports its 2:41 arrival and 3:15 departure to and from Calgary are cancelled.

Air Canada states it has cancelled its flights in and out of Vancouver today as well.

As much as 30 centimetres of snow is expected in the Okanagan by Wednesday morning.

Environment Canada forecast for Kelowna here.

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