A powerful and dangerous winter storm is currently sweeping across Canada's Prairie provinces, delivering a brutal combination of heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions, and potentially damaging wind gusts. Residents from Alberta through to Manitoba are facing significant disruptions to travel and daily life.
Storm Details and Widespread Impacts
Environment Canada has issued warnings as the system takes hold. The agency forecasts that some regions could see accumulations of up to 30 centimetres of snow. The heavy snow began impacting morning commutes in northwestern Alberta, starting in the Grande Prairie region and moving east towards Edmonton, before it is expected to taper off later Wednesday.
Blizzard conditions are anticipated to develop near the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary. The storm's fierce winds are a major concern, with gusts in major urban centres like Regina and Saskatoon predicted to reach speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour. Southern Manitoba is also in the path of an Alberta Clipper system expected this evening, bringing another 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, the risk of freezing rain, and wind gusts near 90 km/h.
Safety Closures and Extreme Cold Warnings
The severe forecast has prompted immediate safety actions. The Prairie Spirit School Division announced the closure of all its schools and the cancellation of bus services for Wednesday. “The safety of our students and staff is always our priority. Our concern is the ability of students and staff to get to and from school safely,” the division stated in a morning news release.
Environment Canada is advising residents to prepare for possible further school closures, road shutdowns, and scattered power outages due to the intense weather. Meanwhile, a separate extreme cold threat is looming for the northern parts of all three provinces. Bitter wind chills near -45°C are forecast to persist through Thursday, adding a layer of life-threatening risk to the already hazardous conditions.
Preparedness is Key
This multi-faceted storm presents a serious hazard to the Prairies. The combination of heavy snowfall reducing visibility, hurricane-force wind gusts creating whiteout conditions, and extreme wind chills demands caution. Officials urge the public to avoid non-essential travel, check on vulnerable neighbours, and stay updated with the latest warnings from Environment Canada and local authorities.
