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Snow squalls — heavy snow showers accompanied by powerful winds — have begun to whip across Alberta.
The brief but intense storms are expected to trigger near white-out conditions on provincial roads and highways. Lightning, thunder and small hail are not out of the question for the most intense snowsqualls.
Environment Canada issued a series of weather alerts for communities across northern and central Alberta Thursday, warning of heavy snow and strong winds.
Visibility to ‘near zero’
In the Edmonton region, a snow squall watch has been issued, cautioning that brief but intense bands of snow are expected.
According to the advisory issued around 11 a.m., snow squalls developed over northern Alberta Thursday morning and are tracking to the east or southeast.
The storms are expected to reduce visibility to “near zero” and produce wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour, or possibly stronger, the weather agency said.
WATCH | Albertans can expect cold to return, experts say:
Spring has not sprung in Alberta
It certainly feels like spring is in the air, but meteorologists are warning of a long road ahead before winter leaves Alberta. As the CBC’s Nicole Healey explains, Edmontonians can expect more snow and the cold to return over the next few months.
In anticipation of the cold conditions expected in the coming days, the City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response to help vulnerable Edmontonians find safe shelter. The response began Thursday and is expected to remain active until March 4.
Heavy snow, extreme winds
The storm system is expected to move throughout west central Alberta Thursday where a series of snowfall warnings have now been issued.
In communities including Caroline and Rocky Mountain House, heavy snowfall is expected with total amounts of 15 to 30 centimetres.
The snow is expected to begin Thursday evening over west central Alberta and may intensify early Friday morning.
In areas of southern Alberta, powerful winds have also prompted a series of weather warnings. Environment Canada said wind gusts of up to 110 km/h are expected Thursday in areas surrounding the Alberta city of Medicine Hat.
Environment Canada cautions that road conditions will likely deteriorate quickly and travel will be challenging until the storm dissipates Friday evening.