139 collisions reported to police in Edmonton as snow on Thursday affects motorists

Road conditions deteriorated in Edmonton and surrounding areas after four centimetres of snow fell.

That was in addition to another six centimetres that had fallen in Edmonton over the past few days.

According to the Edmonton Police Service, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, there were 139 reported collisions. Five resulted in an injury.

There were 15 reported hit-and-run collisions, and 119 caused property damage, police said.

The City of Edmonton says it has crews maintaining bus routes and arterial and collector roads.

The Phase 2 parking ban continues to be in effect for another four more weeks, says Andrew Grant, city spokesperson.

"We know there are some very cold temperatures coming, and we are preparing for this," Grant added. "We already have crews out removing the accumulated snow from our main roads and will be adding chips to the sand for traction before the extreme cold temperatures arrive.

"Once the cold temperatures start, we will continue blading and maintaining the roads." 

Northwest of Edmonton, RCMP responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash near Glenevis, Alta. Around 9 a.m., a car and semi-tractor collided on Highway 43 at the Nakota Crossing. Mounties say one person died as a result of the accident.

• 1 dead after crash outside of Edmonton 

Parks Canada closed Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, between Saskatchewan River Crossing and Athabasca Falls, to conduct avalanche control activities. The highway is not expected to reopen before Friday evening, officials say.

According to Environment Canada, periods of snow are expected to stop for most parts of the province by Thursday evening when temperatures are to plunge to minus 32 with wind chill.

There is a 60 per cent chance of snow for Saturday.

Authorities advise motorists to drive to the conditions and maintain enough stopping distance between cars.