RCMP issued a travel advisory for the Fort McMurray area Thursday morning as a significant late-April snowstorm moved through the region, bringing icy roads and near-zero visibility to highways in and around the city.
The advisory was posted at 8:22 a.m. Drivers with non-essential trips are being asked to stay off the roads until conditions improve.
What Environment Canada Is Saying
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo which includes Fort McMurray and Anzac Wednesday morning, and it remains in effect. Total accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are expected through Friday, with the heaviest snow falling Thursday night. Environment Canada Light snow is forecast to continue into the weekend.
Temperatures are sitting around -3°C Thursday with overnight lows dropping to -7°C.
Late April Snow Not Unusual, But Still Brutal
For anyone not from northern Alberta, a snowstorm on April 23 might seem absurd. For Fort McMurray, it's par for the course. April historically brings around 16 snowy days to Fort McMurray, with average temperatures hovering between -4°C and 5°C. Weather25 Spring arrives late this far north, and when it does, it rarely arrives cleanly.
That doesn't make the commute any easier.
If You Have to Drive
Drivers who cannot avoid travelling are urged to slow down, increase following distance, ensure their vehicle is winter-ready and carry an emergency kit with extra clothing, food, water and a phone charger. Check Alberta 511 before heading out for the latest road conditions.
