Up to 50 cm of snow in the forecast for parts of Alberta this weekend
Significant cold is gripping parts of Alberta, and hefty snow is on the way. Meteorologists forecast that some areas could see 50 cm of snowfall.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued snowfall warnings Thursday afternoon for portions of northwestern Alberta. A long period of snowfall, with total amounts of 25 to 30 cm, is expected.
“A long period of snowfall, with total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm, will continue into Monday. Snowfall amounts may be as high as 50 cm in some locales,” the warning added.
Areas under the snowfall warning include Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Edson, Sexsmith, and Swan Hills.
Snowfall will continue to intensify today, with totals of 10 to 20 cm expected by this evening. Snow will become very light tonight but is expected to intensify again on Saturday and will continue through the weekend before ending on Monday.
ECCC added that visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow, and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
You can check out the full list of spots under snowfall warnings here.
While we are on the topic of weather, we also got the scoop from ECCC on how the December forecast for Alberta is shaping up. One major takeaway from it — be sure to keep that snow shovel handy!