LAKELAND - Freezing cold to freezing rain, slush and black ice. A season of poor driving conditions could be taking place within just a few days across much of Alberta and the Lakeland area, say local emergency responders.
On Thursday morning, as temperatures warmed from the mid-minus 20s, and a blanket of rain and sleet fell across the region, an Environment Canada weather warning for freezing rain was also issued. The conditions have RCMP and local peace officers urging extreme caution to motorists on area roads.
"Currently the area is experiencing freezing rain and it is expected to continue to this afternoon. We encourage people who are out travelling to reduce their speed and watch for changing road conditions," said Lac La Biche County's manager of Enforcement Services Chris Clark, adding that conditions can change quickly during these unusual weather patterns. "Ice can accumulate at intersections and on shoulders where road maintenance material such as sand and other solutions may be lacking."
If people must travel, precautions and planning should be in place, he continued.
"Drivers should ensure that they communicate with their family, friends or employers to let them know where they are travelling to and what route they are taking," he said. "Ensure your cell phone is charged and you have a shovel to remove snow from around your tires if you do enter the ditch."
Lac La Biche RCMP were urging motorists to re-think any non-essential travel while the unsettled weather continued.
"With the current and upcoming temperature changes, as well as the freezing rain warning in effect, Lac La Biche RCMP are asking the public to avoid unnecessary travel, until weather conditions improve," Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Cassandra Calverley told Lakeland Today on Thursday morning. "If you must travel, ensure you are prepared in case of emergency, have a vehicle emergency kit and let someone know where you are going and expected to arrive or return.
For those who are on area roads during poor driving conditions, Calverley re-emphasizes a general warning.
"Slow down, and drive with caution," she said.
While motorists are being urged to be prepared, the emergency crews are also prepared, said Clark.
"Our Peace Officers and other local emergency services are prepared and ready to respond to motorists who have become stuck in the ditch or who have been involved in collisions," he said.
The Environment Canada freezing rain warning was remaining in place going into Thursday afternoon. Weather forecasts for the remainder of the week show daytime temperatures for much of northeastern Alberta hovering around the freezing mark.
