UPDATE, January 17th 5:00 pm
Environment Canada has now updated their forecast for tonight and have added a snow squall warning along with the wind warning.
Periods of brief but intense snowfall are expected. Visibilities will be rapidly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow.
A band of heavy snow with strong northerly winds gusting 60 to 70 km/h is giving near whiteout conditions in falling snow and blowing snow. This front is located west of Alder Flats and is moving to the southeast at 50 km/h.
Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Snow squall warnings are issued when brief but intense bursts of heavy snow will produce near zero visibilities.
For the latest forecast click here
For the latest road conditions click here.
UPDATE: January 17th, 9:00 am
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for most of Central Alberta.
Winds gusting up to 90 km/h will develop in the Red Deer and Stettler areas this evening. These strong wind gusts will sweep to the southeast reaching the international border near midnight. Winds will taper off from the north overnight.
Local blowing snow may cause poor visibility with these strong winds.
A rapid drop in temperature will occur with the northwest winds. Temperature drops of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius are possible in a short period of time. Wet surfaces may freeze causing icy conditions.
Be prepared for poor travel conditions.
Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage.