Environment Canada issues freezing rain warning for Edmonton and area
At around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Environment Canada issued Freezing Rain warnings for areas across Alberta
Well, just one day removed from its first big storm of the winter season, Edmonton, and the surrounding area is about to be hit again — this time by freezing rain.
At around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Environment Canada issued freezing rain warnings for areas across Alberta.
You can find the full list of affected areas here.
"Patchy freezing rain ahead of the system will begin in the Rocky Mountain House region this evening and then spread northeastward overnight hitting the capital region early Sunday morning and then exiting the province into Saskatchewan in the afternoon," reads the warning.
Environment Canada is warning that the rain will make "highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery," and to take care in the affected areas.
The first storm
On Friday, Edmonton fell into chaos as a storm coated the roads in a snowy shine, triggering 142 collisions, say city police.
There were also nine hit-and-runs and six crashes that led to injuries.
The surrounding areas didn't fare any better with tow truck services taking more than four hours. A towing ban was put in place on Highway 2 from Edmonton, south to Millet — it has since been lifted.
Strathcona RCMP were warning drivers of heavy snowfall and challenging driving conditions in anticipation of Friday's rush hour.
They offered these tips for drivers:
- Slow down when conditions are not ideal.
- Motorists have a legal obligation to drive according to road conditions.
- Keep your headlights on.
- Do not use cruise control in winter conditions.
- Signal well in advance of turning to give other motorists time to anticipate and react to your actions.
- Allow yourself extra distance to stop.
- Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not, since they are subject to temperature fluctuations.
- Ensure your windows are clear of ice and snow before you head out onto the streets