Highway crews prepare as snowfall warnings issued for western Alberta

Alberta Transportation and highway maintenance contractors are mobilizing resources to maintain highways as 20 centimetres of snow is expected in northwest Alberta over the next 24 hours.

Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings Thursday morning for a large swath of western Alberta.

As of 1 p.m., the alerts were expanded to areas across central Alberta including Spruce Grove, Red Deer, Drayton Valley and Devon. By mid-afternoon, wind warnings were added for areas as far south asOkotoks, High River and Claresholm.

Drivers in affected parts of the province should consider postponing any unnecessary highway travel, said a news release Thursday.

Between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall before Friday morning, although some areas may get 20 centimetres.

Drivers who do take to the highway are reminded to prepare for winter conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces, and adjust their driving habits accordingly.

The latest real time road conditions are available on 511 Alberta.

Environment Canada said an approaching low pressure system tracking into Alberta from the west is to blame for the oncoming weather system.

The snow is expected to hit communities near the B.C. border Thursday morning and spread southeastward throughout the day.

Environment Canada is warning drivers to be prepared for dicey conditions on roads and highways.

By Friday morning, the following communities can expect up to 20 centimetres of snow:

• Grande Prairie
• Beaverlodge
• Valleyview
• Hinton
• Grande Cache
• Whitecourt
• Edson
• Fox Creek
• Swan Hills
• Nordegg
• Rocky Mountain House
• Caroline