By Charles Lefebvre

Winter storm watch in effect for region

Apr 26, 2019 | 4:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat and the surrounding area are now officially under a winter storm watch.

Environment Canada issued the warning shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, covering the city, Cypress Count, the County of Newell, the County of 40 Mile and Special Areas No. 2, noting a spring storm forecast is expected to move through southern Alberta this weekend.

According to the warning, showers are expected to develop over southeastern Alberta, with possible embedded thunderstorms. Environment Canada adds there is a possibility of seeing a funnel cloud develop in the region of Brooks to Medicine Hat due to the conditions.

The rain showers are expected to become snow in the early evening hours. Environment Canada is predicting snowfall amounts in the 15 to 25 centimetre range for areas from Coronation to the Cypress Hills, with enhanced amounts over the Cypress Hills potentially exceeding 30 centimetres.

Environment Canada is predicting a snowfall amount of 10 centimetres for Saturday, according to its forecast on Friday. The temperature is forecast to hit a high of seven degrees on Monday.

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In western Alberta, a blast of snow is expected in the Highway 2 corridor, and combine with northerly winds gusting to 90 kilometres/hour. Environment Canada says brief whiteout conditions are possible in the area in the late afternoon.

In the Kananaskis area, there is a possibility of 20 centimetres of snowfall accumulation starting Saturday afternoon. The snow is expected to taper off Sunday morning.

Environment Canada is telling people to avoid travel if possible, as visibility may suddenly be reduced due to the heavy snow in some areas.