The winter storm warning continues to wreak havoc across the region.
511 Alberta reports of Highways 16 and 43 being in poor condition, as they are covered in snow and ice.
One listener phoned in to the XM 105 FM newsroom with reports of a bad traffic accident near the Onoway turnoff backing up traffic, and numerous semis in the ditch.
It all culminated when 511 Alberta issued a traffic advisory for Parkland County. 511 Alberta recommends that you stay off Highways 16, 16 A, 43, 44, 770 and 779 unless it is absolutely essential. They also warn of numerous emergency vehicles at several accident sites.
The winter storm warning continues to be in effect for most of the day. This morning’s freezing rain is expected to turn to snow this afternoon. It will be a heavy snowfall, with between 10 and 15 cm expected before the snow tapers off Tuesday morning.
Environment Canada warns that the rapidly changing weather will also bring strong winds. Wind gusts up to 70 km/h will cause near zero visibility in blowing snow in the afternoon and evening. Conditions will improve overnight when the winds begin to taper off.
The high winds will also bring quickly cooling temperatures. Temperature drops of 10 to 15 degrees are possible in a short period of time. Environment Canada says that this, coupled with the wet conditions for the morning’s rain, will lead to even more icy conditions.
Environment Canada suggests postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
You can stay up-to-date on the road conditions at 511 Alberta.
You can also stay apprised of the weather alerts at Environment Canada’s website, or follow the weather alerts on Twitter.
Weather alerts for the Whitecourt region are @ECalertab56.
Weather alerts for the Edson region are @ECalertab72.
The winter storm warning is in effect for:
- M.D. of Big Lakes near Swan Hills
- M.D. of Greenview near Fox Creek
- Woodlands Co. near Benbow and Windfall
- Woodlands Co. near Carson-Pegasus Prov. Park
- Woodlands Co. near Goose Lake
- Woodlands Co. near Whitecourt and Blue Ridge
- Yellowhead Co. near Edson and Sundance Prov. Park
- Yellowhead Co. near Peers and Niton Junction
