Spring snowstorm lashing Edmonton region biggest seasonal event since 2017
A hefty snowstorm that has hugged Edmonton and the surrounding area is the biggest spring snowfall event since 2017.
Snowfall warnings remain in place for Edmonton and numerous areas throughout central Alberta, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) stating that the snow is set to slowly taper off today.
“Storm total snowfall accumulations are expected to range from 15 to 35 centimetres, and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” the federal weather agency added.
The heavy snow made its presence known on roadways across Edmonton and beyond, with RCMP reporting extremely poor road conditions throughout central Alberta and nearly 150 motor vehicle collisions.
On Friday afternoon, ECCC released its summary regarding the spring snowstorm, highlighting that the last time the Edmonton area received a spring snowfall of over 20 cm was back in April 2017. Periods of light snow are expected to continue over central Alberta into tonight and Saturday.
As for snowfall reports, the following areas had volunteer reports of these totals in centimetres as of 11 a.m.:
- Edmonton: 22 to 29
- Wabamun: 32
- West of Spruce Grove: 32
- South of Barrhead: 27
- St Albert: 23 to 26
- Sherwood Park: 18 to 23
- Camrose: 18
- Wainwright: 13 to 15
Darby Mitchell
ECCC stated that the following amounts are based on snow depth at its automated weather stations:
- Stony Plain: 32
- Hendrickson Creek: 24
- Elk Island National Park: 22
- Campsie: 20
- Camrose: 18
- Edson: 16
- Ranfurly: 16
- Vegreville: 15
- Island Lake: 13
- Rocky Mountain House: 8
- Nordegg: 7
Alberta RCMP added that although it may be the tail end of winter, snow storms are still common and it asks that drivers continue to take steps to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Some tips provided included ensuring all windows, side mirrors and lights are properly and completely cleared of snow, helping others see you, making sure your lights are turned on, reducing your speed and giving yourself more time to slow down and stop.
You can view the full list of areas under a snowfall warning on the ECCC website.