A number of winter storm and snowfall warnings and watches are in effect for western, central and southern Alberta, as another blast of snow is expected to move in Wednesday and stick around until the end of the week.
Environment Canada said a long period of widespread snowfall with total amounts of 25 to 35 centimetres — and even 40 centimetres in select areas — would begin Wednesday and last until Friday night.
The watches and warnings extend along the western edge of the province, from the Grande Cache area to the U.S. border, as well as for all of southern Alberta.
“An area of heavy snow has formed along the Northern Foothills and Jasper National Park,” the weather agency said, adding it will intensify and move south throughout Wednesday.
In western Alberta, the heaviest snow will be along the Yellowhead Highway and Environment Canada said travel was not recommended.
Snowfall will begin to taper from the north through the day Thursday. The Edmonton area is not included in the watches and warnings, however central Alberta around Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House is.
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The province sent out a warning on Wednesday, suggesting Albertans reconsider travel plans “with heavy snow and high winds forecast.”
“Areas of western and southern Alberta are under heavy snowfall and winter storm warnings or storm watches,” the news release said. “Accumulations of up to 35 centimetres are expected in some areas — in some cases, accompanied by high winds. The adverse weather is forecast to continue into Friday.
The province asked drivers to prepare for winter conditions and adjust their driving habits accordingly. Officials suggested using 511 Alberta to check conditions, postponing non-essential travel, use winter tires, and bring along emergency kits in their vehicles.
WATCH: Here’s Jesse Beyer’s Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 weather forecast for Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding area.
Meanwhile in southern Alberta, including Calgary and all the way to the U.S. border, the heaviest snow will begin overnight Wednesday into Thursday. However, Environment Canada said there was still uncertainty where the heaviest amounts will fall. The snow is expected to end Friday.
This latest system is coming on the heels of significant snowfall over the weekend, where some areas in Alberta recorded over 20 centimetres of snow.
Parts of both Calgary and Edmonton saw over 15 centimetres of snow Saturday, prompting the city of Calgary to close Deerfoot Trail for hours and Edmonton to issue its second seasonal parking ban in just over a week.
For a full list of weather watches and warnings click here.
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