Edmonton is preparing for a white Christmas as a significant winter storm is forecast to blanket the city on Christmas Eve, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions for holiday revelers. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning, predicting between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow to accumulate throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Storm Details and City Preparations
The weather system is expected to bring approximately 15 km/h winds alongside the heavy snow, with temperatures plunging to a bitter -29°C overnight when wind chill is factored in. In response, City of Edmonton crews have been actively preparing. Val Dacyk, general supervisor for the city’s snow and ice control program, confirmed that crews placed traction material overnight and are focusing on clearing arterial roads, major connectors, and pathways near civic buildings.
Dacyk assured residents that both roadway and pathway crews are fully staffed around the clock, including on holidays, with additional workers on standby if needed. The city is not currently considering a parking ban.
RCMP's Urgent Safety Plea to Holiday Travelers
The timing of the storm is a primary concern for authorities. RCMP Corporal Troy Savinkoff noted that Christmas Eve traffic mirrors that of a long weekend, with a high volume of vehicles on provincial roads as people travel to visit family. The combination of heavy holiday traffic and deteriorating weather conditions raises the risk of collisions and large-scale accidents that could cause major delays.
"Prioritize safety above everything else," Cpl. Savinkoff urged. "If it does look risky, don’t do it." He emphasized that drivers must adjust their behavior to match the road conditions, not the posted speed limit.
Essential Pre-Travel Checklist and Holiday Reminders
The RCMP is advising all motorists to take specific precautions before venturing out. Key recommendations include:
- Checking the Alberta 511 website or app for real-time road condition updates before departing.
- Considering postponing or altering travel plans if roads are too dangerous.
- Ensuring vehicles have a full tank of fuel, and that phones are fully charged.
- Packing emergency blankets to stay warm in case of a breakdown or long delay.
Savinkoff also delivered a stern reminder about the dangers of impaired driving during festivities. He noted that alcohol is a factor in 25 to 30 per cent of all fatal collisions, and that RCMP will be conducting numerous check stops throughout the holiday season to catch intoxicated drivers.
As Edmontonians look forward to Christmas celebrations, the message from officials is clear: plan ahead, stay informed, and make safety the top priority to ensure a merry and secure holiday for all.
