Freezing rain warning in effect for Edmonton and surrounding communities
Driving conditions in and around Edmonton were slick Monday as freezing rain hit the city and numerous communities to the north, west and east.
RCMP warned of "treacherous road conditions" west of Edmonton, with reports of vehicles in the ditch on Highway 43 and Highway 37 in the Onoway area.
Conditions on Highway 16 and 16A were starting to deteriorate Monday afternoon as the rain continued, Stony Plain RCMP said around 1:45 p.m.
"Travel is not recommended but if necessary, slow down and drive to conditions," RCMP said.
Environment Canada issued freezing rain warnings for Spruce Grove, Morinville, Mayerthorpe, Evansburg, Westlock, Barrhead and Athabasca at 8 a.m. Monday.
At 10 a.m., the warning was expanded to include Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater, Smoky Lake and Slave Lake.
It was expanded further at 10:30 a.m. to include the City of Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park.
It also now includes Leduc, Camrose, Wetaskiwin and Tofield.
A freezing rain warning is also in effect for the Edmonton International Airport. In a tweet, the airport advised travellers to give themselves extra time to get to the airport safely.
The "patchy" freezing rain began in Westlock and Spruce Grove early Monday.
Further warnings may be required as the rain moves eastward, Environment Canada said.
Freezing rain warnings are issued when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates ice build-up and icy surfaces.
Environment Canada has more details on the freezing rain warnings here.
