Wind warnings issued for communities across Alberta - CBC

Strong winds to sweep across the province on Friday, triggering warnings from Environment Canada. (Matt Rourke/Associated Press)Social SharingA fierce windstorm is expected to whip across a swath of Alberta communities on Friday, making for a blustery start to the weekend.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a series of wind warnings for regions stretching from Manning in northern Alberta to the town of Cardston in the province’s south.

In communities across central and northern Alberta, as well as Edmonton and surrounding areas, gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected.

According to the warnings issued Friday, the winds are expected to arrive in the Grande Prairie area near midnight and progress to the southeast towards Edmonton overnight, reaching Lloydminster and the Saskatchewan border by morning.

Environment Canada cautioned that local utility outages, along with damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.

Drivers are advised to take caution as road conditions will likely be challenging and high-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind. 

In southern parts of the province, wind gusts of up to 110 km/h are expected.

The gusts will intensify through the day Friday and then persist overnight, Environment Canada said.

The remainder of the weekend should bring some calm for communities across the province as the system is expected to be short-lived.

The winds are expected to weaken throughout Saturday, easing from northwest to southeast across Alberta during the late morning to early afternoon.

Wallis Snowdon is a journalist with CBC Edmonton focused on bringing stories to the website and the airwaves. Originally from New Brunswick, Wallis has reported in communities across Canada, from Halifax to Fort McMurray. She previously worked as a digital and current affairs producer with CBC Radio in Edmonton. Share your stories with Wallis at wallis.snowdon@cbc.ca.