Spring storm pummels eastern Alberta with heavy snow, rain and gusty wind

Snow falls in Ruth Lake, Alberta, on April 22, 2026. (Submitted: Matt Grayson)

A snowfall warning is in effect for the Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan regions with 15 to 25 centimetres of snow expected to hit the area by late Thursday.

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsEdmonton.ca weather hub

The area will get some rain transitioning to snow through the day Wednesday.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall Wednesday night and through the day Thursday.

With temperatures falling below 0 C tonight and staying in the -3 C range Thursday, expect icy roads. Gusty wind will create reduced visibility in blowing snow through the day Thursday.

The warning may be extended with more snow is expected on Friday (potentially another three to seven centimetres) and Saturday.

Rain warning

Further south, a rainfall warning is in effect for east-central Alberta. Up to 30 millimetres is possible and that rain will be falling on frozen ground creating the possibility of some localized overland flooding.

With temperatures falling below 0 C Thursday morning, roads will likely become icy.

That region is expecting some flurries Thursday and the possibility of two to five centimetres of snow on Friday.

Gusts in the 50-60 km/h range are also in the forecast for Thursday and Friday.