Freezing rain blankets Alberta from Edson to Saskatchewan border

Environment and Climate Change Canada warned of freezing rain throughout Thursday morning in and beyond the capital region.

At 8:30 a.m., local RCMP said officers had been called to "multiple" collisions on Highway 16 east of Edmonton in Strathcona County, on Highway 16 west of the capital city in Parkland County, and on Highway 44 in Sturgeon County. There, a multi-vehicle pileup near Township Road 540 was the cause of traffic delays. It's not known how many people were involved or if there were any injuries. 

"Periods of freezing rain will change over to snow later this morning," the warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada read.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions."

By 4 p.m., 123 crashes were reported to Edmonton police, four of which left someone injured. The large majority caused property damage. 

The warning was issued for areas as far west as the municipal districts of Big Lakes and Greenview, and as far east as Lloydminster and Wainwright. Alerts were issued, too, for communities as far north as Westlock and Athabasca and as far south as Rimbey and Pigeon Lake. It was ended by Environment Canada around 1:55 p.m.

East of Edmonton, Elk Island Public Schools cancelled bus service for Strathcona County only, affecting families living in Sherwood Park and surrounding rural areas.