Non-essential travel near Banff, Jasper discouraged as snowstorm blows in

Environment Canada has issued weather warnings for parts of southwestern Alberta.

As of 10:43a.m. on Thursday, winter storm warnings were in place for Highway 93, from Lake Louise to Jasper, through Banff National Park and Jasper National park.

Heavy snowfall and blowing snow is expected in those areas Thursday through Friday morning, Environment Canada said.

Total snowfall on Highway 93 may exceed 25 centimetres by Friday morning. Strong winds of up to 70 km/h are also expected. Both the snow and wind are expected to ease by Friday afternoon.

Environment Canada advised motorists to consider postponing non-essential travel along the route until conditions improve.

"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow," the agency said.

As of Thursday morning, wind warnings were also in place for areas near Cardston, Crowsnest Pass, Hinton, Kananaskis and Nordegg. Wind gusts of up to (and in some areas, exceeding)100 km/h will continue into Thursday night.