Photo: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

drive with caution

Grande Prairie RCMP urging motorists to drive with caution during extreme weather conditions

Jan 17, 2022 | 12:36 PM

The Grande Prairie RCMP is urging motorists out on the roads today to drive with extreme caution.

The urge for caution comes as most of northern and central Alberta are placed under a winter storm warning. The storm is expected to bring with it 10-15 cm of snow to the region, as well as a combination of high winds and freezing rain.

With dangerous conditions forecasted for the area today, Cst. Lindsay Ralph is asking motorists to do simple things to keep everybody on the roadway safe.

“Slow down, take extra precautions when leaving the house, give yourself some extra time, be patient with other drivers on the road and just remember that those conditions underneath your tires are going to be slippery,” she stated.

As of Monday morning, Environment Canada and 511 Alberta are asking motorists to avoid travel on Highway 43 because of the weather conditions.

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Cst. Ralph says if you’re heading out anywhere on the road on Monday, it is important to be prepared.

“It’s always a good reminder that during the winter months it’s important to have some safety items in your vehicle,” she said. “Any non-perishable food items, blankets, warm clothes, a shovel, some people put sand in their trunk as a gripping agent. If you do get stuck or need to call for help, you can at least keep yourself warm and fed while you wait for help.”

The road conditions throughout Monday mean there will likely be some vehicles in the ditch, along with traffic jams throughout the area.

Cst. Ralph reminds people to call 911, only if they are in an emergency situation.

“If it is an emergency situation, certainly phone 911 in order to request help right away. If you do need assistance from the police, you can call the non-emergency line. People who do slide off the road can either call their own tow truck or call the RCMP and request assistance with that.”

The winter storm warning is expected to end by Monday night or Tuesday morning.