Wintery snowstorm expected to wallop Alberta Wednesday

After a blast of freezing rain and brutal cold, much of Alberta is now bracing for another wintery storm that has forecasters cautioning of blizzard conditions.

Snowfall and winter storm warnings have been issued for a large stretch of communities from northwestern Alberta, across the Edmonton region and into central Alberta.

According to the warnings issued by Environment Canada early Tuesday morning, a heavy band of snow is expected to develop Wednesday morning.

Rapid accumulation is expected with total amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres expected to fall in some communities by Wednesday evening.

Drivers are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

According to Environment Canada, very poor visibility in blowing snow is likely as heavy snow combines with strong gusty winds Wednesday morning.

Blizzard conditions are most likely to develop in southeastern areas, including Provost, Hanna, and Oyen, where forecasters expect the strongest winds and heaviest snowfall will develop.

Plummeting temperatures, blowing snow

The snowstorm comes after a band of freezing rain prompted warnings for drivers across the province, following a brief reprieve from the extreme cold.

Environment Canada expects temperatures to drop rapidly over the coming day as the storm system develops.

In Edmonton, the temperature is expected to fall to –17 C by Wednesday, with blowing winds that will make it feel more like minus 27.

The snow is expected to taper off from northwest to southeast Alberta on Wednesday afternoon, with heavy snow ending in the Edmonton area that evening, Environment Canada said.

Winds will begin to ease Wednesday afternoon, first across north-central Alberta. Blowing snow conditions will improve from northwest to southeast as the winds weaken.

Heavy snow will continue after winds ease, but will taper off through the afternoon and evening from north to south, Environment Canada said.