Winter storm warning in effect for Lloydminster – Wainwright – Vermilion – Provost

A winter storm will bring snow, freezing rain, strong winds, blowing snow and a rapid drop in temperatures to central Alberta today.

Environment Canada issued the warning at 11:43 a.m. on Monday January 17.

Winter storm warning in effect for:

• Beaver Co. near Viking and Kinsella
• City of Lloydminster Alb.
• Co. of Minburn near Innisfree Lavoy and Ranfurly
• Co. of Minburn near Minburn and Mannville
• Co. of Two Hills near Myrnam and Derwent
• Co. of Two Hills near Two Hills and Brosseau
• Co. of Vermilion River near Dewberry and Clandonald
• Co. of Vermilion River near Islay and McNabb Sanctuary
• Co. of Vermilion River near Kitscoty and Marwayne
• Co. of Vermilion River near Paradise Valley
• Co. of Vermilion River near Tulliby Lake
• Co. of Vermilion River near Vermilion
• Flagstaff Co. near Alliance and Bellshill Lake
• Flagstaff Co. near Killam and Sedgewick
• Flagstaff Co. near Lougheed and Hardisty
• M.D. of Provost near Czar Metiskow and Cadogan
• M.D. of Provost near Hughenden Amisk and Kessler
• M.D. of Provost near Provost and Hayter
• M.D. of Wainwright near Chauvin Dillberry Lake and Roros
• M.D. of Wainwright near Edgerton and Koroluk Landslide
• M.D. of Wainwright near Irma
• M.D. of Wainwright near Wainwright

Patchy freezing rain will continue this morning along the Yellowhead corridor between Entwistle and Vermilion. This area of freezing rain will move eastward towards the Saskatchewan border and expand north and south through the day. Expect icy conditions along all travel routes through central Alberta. Freezing rain will change to snow this afternoon.

Strong northwest winds will also develop this afternoon. Wind gusts up to 80 km/h may cause poor visibility in blowing snow in the afternoon and evening. These winds will taper off overnight.

Temperatures will drop rapidly with the northwest winds. Temperature drops of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius are possible in a short period of time. Wet surfaces from the earlier precipitation may re-freeze causing more icy conditions.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.