Urgent Travel Advisory

Residents of Alberta are being urged to avoid travel this Saturday as the Alberta RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) highlights extremely dangerous driving conditions throughout Central and Northern Alberta, primarily due to freezing rain.

RCMP's Warning

In an advisory posted on its social media account early Saturday morning, the RCMP stated, “Freezing rain is causing many collisions and poor driving conditions.” This warning comes as roadways become treacherous with ice accumulation, leading to multiple accidents.

Province's Caution

The province further cautioned motorists via its official social media channels at 6:22 a.m. that “several areas within the province are reported as either partially or fully covered in ice due to freezing rain and snow.” Plowing services are currently operational, but drivers are reminded to give these crews ample room to safely clear the roads. Yellow circles on the maps indicate areas where more than one snowplow is in operation, highlighting where the situation is particularly challenging.

Weather Forecasts

Weather forecasts reveal that Calgary could experience a 30 percent chance of snow flurries today, followed by intermittent rain showers. Meanwhile, residents in Edmonton should be prepared for rain this morning, which is expected to transition into snow later, potentially accumulating around 2 cm. Red Deer could see even more variable conditions, with a 30 percent chance of rain or flurries increasing to 60 percent as the morning progresses, alongside gusty northwest winds reaching 50 km/h.

Safety First

In light of these hazardous conditions, the RCMP advises citizens to prioritize safety and avoid any non-essential travel. Stay tuned for further updates from local weather services and travel advisories, and keep your belongings secured to avoid any accidents. Remember: Your safety is paramount!