Multiple weather warnings have been issued for the Athabasca area, with one involving the Barrhead and Westlock areas, to inform drivers and residents of potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Environment Canada has issued an advisory for snow squalls in the Northern/Central part of the province, stretching from just south of Wandering River as far Rimbey, 60 km north of Red Deer. Snow squalls can cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within a few kilometres are common, making travel difficult and unpredictable. Drivers are warned visibility may be significantly reduced to zero with little warning. Snow squalls are expected to be seen across Athabasca, Barrhead and Westlock areas.
The federal environment agency also issued a freezing rain alert this morning for the northern parts of Athabasca County, as well as parts of Smoky Lake, St. Paul, Lac La Biche, and Plamondon. Freezing rain can make roads and highways slippery, and drivers are advised to reduced speed for safe travel. The freezing rain is expected to turn into snow this afternoon.
A hazardous road conditions advisory was also put out by the Town of Athabasca today as a result of the freezing rain. Roads and sidewalks are very icy, and the municipality is warning travellers on both foot and in vehicles to slow down, use extreme caution, and add extra time to the morning commute to account for the poor conditions.
Advisory alerts for the area are delivered to locals by Alertable and Voyent Alert, available online through web browsers or by downloading the app on your smartphone. For more updates on the weather alerts, check out Alertable, Voyent Alert, and on TownandCountryToday.com.
