Drivers beware: Blizzard conditions sweep through Alberta Saturday
Gusty winds across Alberta have prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue several blowing snow advisories and blizzard warnings Saturday morning.
Widespread snowfall began over Alberta on Friday as a low-pressure system tracked southeast across the province. As the snowfall continues into Saturday, gusting winds have also picked up from the northwest, ushering in frigid Arctic air and bringing impacts to major highways and cities throughout the province.
Drivers should be aware of rapidly deteriorating conditions on roads and highways throughout the day Saturday as the gusty winds blow the fresh snow.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued several yellow-level blowing snow advisories across the province early Saturday, along with some yellow-level blizzard warnings southeast of Edmonton.
"Strong northwest winds gusting up to 70 km/h will develop this morning. The combination of fresh fluffy snow with these strong winds will result in widespread blowing snow with near-zero visibility," ECCC said in their warning. "Travel will be hazardous due to near-zero visibility. Road closures are possible."
Included in the warnings on Saturday morning are Highways 13 and 14, heading toward the Saskatchewan border.
Highways 16, 1, 2, and 3 will also be facing hazardous conditions throughout the day due to the blowing snow reducing visibility and creating slick conditions.
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The snowfall will taper off through the afternoon hours on Saturday, but the hazardous driving conditions will persist into the evening as winds continue to gust over 40 km/h.
The winds will also usher in a blast of freezing Arctic air, sending temperatures near or below -20°C. The wind chill will make it feel dangerously cold, too, as we expect to see values feel like the -30s.
With the dangerous combination of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, be sure to pack an emergency kit with warm blankets when travelling in case you get caught out in the cold for an extended period.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Alberta.