Additional snow for parts of the Prairies threatens travel
theweathernetwork.com
Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 9:39 AM - The battle between seasons continues across parts of the Prairies after mild weekend temperatures were replaced by snowfall warnings. Some additional snow is expected across Alberta and Saskatchewan on Tuesday, while the rise and fall of temperatures are adding to the complications of overland flooding.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
- Heavy snow tapers across Alberta Tuesday with pockets of poor visibility in central regions persisting
- Low pressure centre keeps weather unsettled through Tuesday for regions Edmonton and north, particularly Foothills
- Snow spread over south central Saskatchewan Tuesday morning with 5-10 cm likely through the day
BE PREPARED: Winter Driving Tips
WATCH BELOW: TUESDAY'S SNOW TIMING
LINGERING TRAVEL ISSUES, SNOW PUSHES INTO SASKATCHEWAN
Southern Alberta commuters had to contend with another dump of snow Monday morning with Calgary picking up close to 15 cm through the day. While the snow has ended for many regions, additional accumulations are expected for the mountain parks and Nordegg.
"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," warns Environment Canada. "Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow."
A special weather statement was also issued for parts of southern Saskatchewan on Tuesday as the snow spreads east bringing a widespread 5-10 cm over many south-central regions. In locally heavier snow bands, upwards of 10 cm could fall.
Combine that with gusty southeasterly winds, and travel conditions could deteriorate through the falling snow.
Stick with us here at The Weather Network, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more on this developing story.
WATCH BELOW: WET SNOW MAKES FOR MESSY CONDITIONS IN CALGARY
RAPID SNOW MELT, OVERLAND FLOODING PROMPTS LOCAL STATES OF EMERGENCY
Numerous information alerts and several local states of emergency have been issued for parts of southern Alberta, where spring snow melt spurred by warmer temperatures over the weekend has swamped local roads and threatened properties.
The Municipal District of Taber announced Monday that they will allow the local state of emergency to expire on Tuesday, as crews wind down their efforts to control serious flooding in the region. At the same time, another has been issued for the County of Lethbridge (which does not include the city itself), as well as Siksika Nation east of Calgary. Many roads through the area remain closed due to high water levels, and officials urge citizens to maintain clear drainage areas.
Local agencies, as well as @511Alberta, have been updating road closures and voluntary evacuations as spring flooding continues. Officials are asking the public to avoid driving on roads that are not passable and be alert at all times for water on the road.
WARMEST TEMPERATURES IN HALF A YEAR
Significant warming temperatures that are on the horizon could add to further flooding issues.
After six months, parts of the Prairie provinces are expecting their warmest temperatures since last October to spread across the region.
"Flooding concerns have been ongoing in parts of outhern Alberta, and significant temperature spikes can be hazardous with respect to flooding concern," warns Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton. "A rapid rise in temperatures can cause significant snow melt and runoff for the region."
See more on this western warming trend from Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton, here.
