Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. It was updated at 3:30 p.m. Thursday to include the latest information on the snowfall warning.
A snowfall warning was issued for Edmonton and surrounding areas Thursday afternoon by Environment Canada, with 10 to 15 centimetres of snow expected by Friday night.
“With ample moisture continuing to stream into the province, high amounts of snow are expected Thursday night and Friday, the city of Edmonton included,” Global Edmonton chief meteorologist Jesse Beyer said.
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for areas west of Edmonton Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, the warning was extended twice to include more regions of central Alberta.
Upwards of 15 to 25 centimetres of snow was expected in the Hinton and Whitecourt regions by the time the snow ends Friday night.
The Spruce Grove, Drayton Valley and Rocky Mountain House areas could see between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow by Friday morning.
Areas north of Edmonton, including Slave Lake, Westlock, Barrhead and Athabasca could see upwards of 15 to 20 centimetres of snow.
The precipitation was expected to start as rain and change to snow. The heaviest snow will fall at higher elevations.
“Moisture is streaming into the province from a Pacific low that is expected to leave significant snow totals throughout the province,” Beyer said.
“Here in Edmonton, a rain-snow mix will begin Wednesday night and continue through Thursday and Friday.”
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A winter storm watch issued Wednesday was upgraded to a warning Thursday afternoon. Up to 25 centimetres of snow is possible through Friday in these regions, Beyer said, with gusty wind.
An “intense low-pressure system” over Montana is expected to spread into the Bonnyville and Fort McMurray regions Thursday night, according to Environment Canada. The spring storm could bring as much as 25 cm of snow to these areas by the time the snow ends early Saturday morning.
“Long weekend travel plans may have to be put on hold for affected areas,” Beyer said. “Heavy snow and gusty wind will make for less than ideal driving. Keep a close eye on road conditions before hitting the road.”
Watch below: Meteorologist Jesse Beyer has our weather forecast for Thursday, April 13. Yes, we could see some snow…
Environment Canada urges people to prepare for quick-changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
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For the latest information on weather watches and warnings, visit Environment Canada’s website.
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