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Mounties are urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel late Thursday as heavy snow and strong winds create hazardous road conditions across parts of Alberta.
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"Alberta RCMP is advising of poor driving conditions throughout most of the province as officers respond to numerous collisions," Mounties said in a release.
Earlier, 511 Alberta issued an Alberta Emergency Alert warning of hazardous road conditions northeast and south of Edmonton. Heavy snow and strong winds have reduced visibility to near zero in affected areas, and highways may close without notice.
The alert applies to areas such as Camrose, Lacombe, Leduc, and Lloydminster. While Airdrie and the surrounding area are not under the alert, worsening weather could complicate Friday morning travel. However, the alert was cancelled early on Friday morning.
Conditions remain less severe in Airdrie and along Highway 2 but are still challenging. The road from Calgary city limits to north of the junction with Highway 2A is reported as bare and dry but snowing, with strong winds and blowing snow. Drivers are advised to exercise caution.
Light and blowing snow are expected to continue into Thursday night, with north winds of 30 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50 kilometres per hour, increasing to 70 kilometres per hour overnight. The temperature will drop to a low of minus 11, with wind chill values making it feel like minus 19.
Friday morning will see a brief respite as light snow tapers off, leaving cloudy skies and a 30 per cent chance of flurries later in the day. Snow is expected to return by late afternoon. Winds will ease in the morning before increasing again from the north at 20 kilometres per hour. Highs will reach minus 8, with wind chill values of minus 20 in the morning and minus 14 by the afternoon.
Up to two centimetres of snow is expected Friday night before clearing after midnight. Winds will remain strong, gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour, while temperatures drop to minus 24, with a wind chill of minus 32. Frostbite risk will be high.
Saturday and Sunday will bring clear skies but frigid temperatures. Highs will remain below minus 16, with overnight lows dipping to minus 27 and minus 30.
Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions, allow extra travel time, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready.
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