Extreme caution urged on QEII south of Edmonton due to black ice, poor driving conditions

EDMONTON – Leduc RCMP are warning motorists to drive with extreme caution as conditions declined on the QEII Highway Thursday night.

The warning was issued just before 10:30 p.m. Officers say freezing rain and snow, mixed with dropping temperatures, have caused black ice and slushy conditions on the highway south of Edmonton.

Warmer temperatures earlier Thursday helped keep Edmonton roadways from becoming skating rinks. A freezing rain warning was issued for several areas of central and northern Alberta Thursday morning. It was dropped for the city of Edmonton just after 3:30 p.m.

READ MORE: Freezing rain warning over for Edmonton area

Rain Edmonton began to turn to snow as temperatures dropped Thursday night. Global Edmonton Chief Meteorologist, Nicola Crosbie, says temperatures will continue to drop overnight and into Friday morning, hitting -12°C for Friday.

WATCH: Nicola Crosbie’s weather forecast for Edmonton, January 2.

With the QEII south of Edmonton in poor condition, Leduc RCMP are reminding motorists:

• To give yourselves a greater distance between vehicles to allow your vehicle to stop safely if you have to brake suddenly.
• If the road conditions are not safe for your vehicle to be out there, it is a good possibility it will take longer for emergency services to get to you if you go off the road. Be sure to have a winter safety kit with you and warm clothing.
• Slow down when highway conditions are not ideal. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions and motorists can be charged with a traffic offence if you drive too fast for the conditions.
• Make sure your headlights are on at all times – don’t rely on daytime running lights. Low beams are more effective than high beams in fog or heavy snow conditions. Turning your headlights on will activate your tail lights making you more visible to other motorists from behind.

Additionally, a seasonal parking ban has been issued for the City of Edmonton. It comes into effect at 7:00 a.m. Friday.

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