Wind and snow lead to tow ban on the QEII early Wednesday

Moderate wind for Calgary on Wednesday. Jodi Hughes has a look at the five-day forecast from the Sky Watch Weather Centre.

Strong northwest winds have amplified the negative effects of overnight snow across central Alberta.

According to 511 Alberta both primary and secondary highways across the region were snow and ice-covered.

An emergency alert was issued at 6:19 p.m., noting “Alberta RCMP have issued a tow ban on the QEII between Edmonton and Blackfalds. Reduced visibility and slippery sections have resulted in extremely hazardous road conditions. Avoid travel until conditions improve.”

As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, a snowfall warning issued for the southeast corner of Alberta and southwest corner of Saskatchewan Tuesday morning was still in place.

Environment and Climate Change Canada explained total accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres are expected before the snow tapers off Wednesday evening and “gusty winds may cause blowing snow, further reducing visibility.”

Snow started forming Tuesday moving from northwestern Alberta to the southeast corner or along the western edge of a exiting Minnesota low.

While accumulations have not been heavy in all locations, the north winds associated with the low’s cold front have created a noticeable impact to road conditions.

In Calgary, light snow fell across some communities overnight and in most areas melted, but northwest winds caused some of that snow melt to ice up, especially in the north and east.

Northwest winds will continue in Calgary throughout the day, peaking at 20 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h.

An incoming ridge of high pressure moving in from the Pacific will help improve conditions across Alberta throughout the day Wednesday and early Thursday.

In Calgary, the daytime highs will be as warm as 5 C on Sunday with lows as warm as -2 C.