Emergency crews were out in full swing attending collisions, rollovers, and vehicles in the ditch around Central Alberta today. 

Blackfalds RCMP sent out a warning to motorists earlier this morning to remind drivers to be mindful of the conditions, and to adjust their behaviours accordingly. They said, "Area highways are icy and not in good shape for travel."

As of 1:49 p.m. there have been multiple reports of a jack-knifed semi-truck in the stretch of QE2 between the Highway 2A overpass and Highway 12, north of Lacombe. Traffic is being re-routed through Lacombe via Highway 2A. 

As well, Ponoka RCMP have issued an advisory that travel is not recommended between Ponoka and Red Deer due to icy road conditions:

From Ponoka RCMP: 

The RCMP and Alberta Transportation are warning motorists to avoid any travel on the QEII between Red Deer and Ponoka. 

Presently, a semi tractor trailer unit has jackknifed north of Highway 12.  All northbound traffic is being detoured through Lacombe and onto Highway 2A.

There are at least ten vehicles which have gone into the ditch due to the icy road conditions. 

Alberta Transportation reports that they have several sanding trucks working in the area between Red Deer and Ponoka in an effort to improve the driving conditions.  The sanding trucks can only work as quickly as the road conditions allow.

Motorists are asked to avoid travel in this area.

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Snowfall is expected to drop off in the afternoon, however, there is a chance for those flurries to pick back up this evening. 

Tomorrow the sun will come out for a while but that means there's the potential for ice to form as the day cools off again. 

As temperatures fluctuate, melting and refreezing moisture causes black ice patches on the road, making it difficult to detect. Maintaining safe speeds and driving distances can help to reduce risks of collisions, but it's also important to remember to pay close attention to vehicles around you and conditions as they change. 

For tips on how to make sure your car is running in an optimal way for winter, you can check out our article on winter safety and emergency kits. 

Stay up to date With Sunny 94 and always feel free to call the studio at a safe time and let us know what's going on, at 403-782-4413.