Calgary

Albertans cautioned to postpone non-essential travel as winter storm sweeps into province

Winter storm and snowfall warnings were issued for much of the province by Environment Canada on Thursday.

Calgary expected to see between 10 and 20 cm of snow by Sunday

Central Alberta was blanketed in snowfall and winter storm warnings on Thursday, according to Environment Canada. A 2017 photo shows a snowed-in car in Crowsnest Pass. (Environment Canada, Megan Evans)

For the latest weather developments in the Calgary area, see: Fresh snow on icy roads creates slippery conditions in Calgary


Winter is definitely not over for Alberta. 

Winter storm and snowfall warnings were issued for much of the province by Environment Canada on Thursday, as well as a travellers' advisory for anyone daring to venture out on the highways. 

Calgary is expected to see between 10 and 20 centimetres of the white stuff by Sunday.

The agency said the snow would be brought in by a low-pressure system off the Pacific on Thursday morning, before it sweeps across the province.

Winter storm warnings reached as far north as Grande Prairie and Barrhead; east to Red Deer, Lloydminster, and Medicine Hat; south to Brooks and Okotoks; and snowfall warnings to the west for Rocky Mountain House, Kananaskis, and Crowsnest Pass.

A winter storm warning was also issued for Edmonton, which is expected to see 15 to 25 centimetres, as well as strong easterly winds that will reduce visibility on the highways. 

A traffic camera on Highway 16, near Jasper, shows the winter weather starting to blow in. (Alberta Transportation)

Alberta Transportation warned that the rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult, and cautioned drivers to reduce speed and watch for tail lights ahead if visibility is low. 

Drivers are asked to postpone all non-essential travel.

The agency also encouraged drivers to ensure they have winter or all-weather tires and a winter emergency kit in their cars. Motorists were also advised to stay at least 10 metres behind snowplows.