'From sweat to slush': Alberta getting hit by winter snow storm

As predicted, the snow is flying and temperatures are dropping across Alberta.

A low pressure system has already brought snow and misery to much of the province, and conditions are only expected to get worse as the day progresses. Environment Canada and Alberta Sheriffs are already warning about poor driving conditions.

Environment Canada is warning against any "non-essential travel until conditions improve."

Some communities, including Edmonton Lloydminster and Leduc, are expected to get walloped with up to 15 centimetres of snow; others are expected to have freezing rain turn their roads into skating rinks.

• Alberta to get hit with 'heavy snow' and freezing rain

David Phillips, Environment Canada's senior climatologist, called this storm a "rude awakening."

"I think, if you look at the amount of snow that Edmonton has had so far, maybe 12 to 15 cm already. If you count today's snow, maybe 10 cm, you would have to go to last January to see the equivalent snow that you will get for the end of today.

"It could be a record for today, but you would have to get to six or eight cm of snow to get to that record."

Weather warnings have been issued for many areas across Alberta for snowfall, freezing rain, or a winter storm. You can find a list of all the areas affected here.

By 11:30 a.m. there have been five crashes in Edmonton, one causing injury. 

In many parts of the province, snow has been on the ground for weeks now. Phillips said that this, too, is surprising.  

"There has only been one other time in history that you would find continuous snow coverage for so long, so early, and that was back 59 years ago," Phillips said.

"You're not imagining it; it's a cruel beginning. What happened to fall? You went to almost from sweat to slush."     

Leduc RCMP have issued an advisory regarding poor road conditions on the Queen Elizabeth 2 highway. They say the storm has caused poor visibility and slippery road surfaces and are advising people to slow down and use caution. 

Furthermore, Alberta Sheriffs released a statement reminding people in the province to keep their wits about them. They advised people to stay home Friday if they don't need to travel.

They add that if you must commute, make sure you are leaving early, giving plenty of time. Motorists should make sure their cell phones are charged and to travel with a first aid kit and blanket.

Sheriffs are also reminding drivers to stay with their vehicle if they slide off the road into a ditch.

You can take a look at photos of the storm from all over the province, provided by CBC Edmonton readers, below.