A special weather statement was issued by Environment Canada on Saturday morning saying there is a possibility of freezing rain today, followed by blowing snow and gusty winds.

There is a risk of freezing rain this evening with winds gusting between 40 to 80 km/hr over southern sections late this evening and after midnight.

Weather statement in effect for Strathmore, Wheatland County, Gleichen, Siksika Nation, Chestermere, Brooks and Bassano

Freezing rain may impact areas from Red Deer to the Cypress Hills, east toward the Saskatchewan border starting this afternoon. This freezing rain will change to snow overnight and will then be followed by gusty winds.

Travel in these regions will likely become difficult as freezing rain will cause untreated surfaces to become slippery. Snow and blowing snow will reduce visibility into Christmas morning.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.