A freezing rain warning that will last into the evening has been issued for the bulk of southern Alberta.

The warning extends from Drayton Valley to Milk River.

Environment Canada says a disturbance moving in from southern B.C. will spread rain into the area while a northerly flow brings in cooler temperatures near the ground.

A freezing rain warning has been issued for the areas highlighted in red. (weatheroffice.gc.ca)

The freezing rain area will move southeastward this evening and into the Lethbridge area by midnight.

CBC meteorologist Danielle Savoni says the freezing rain is expected to end tonight in the Calgary area, but people in the southern portions of the province could face icy conditions for their morning commute.

"I'm concerned about tonight because visibility is low and we might get snow on top of that, which could create dangerous driving conditions," she said. "It's not a good combination, and the roads could still be slippery in the morning."

Power outages

The freezing rain has led to some power outages in central Alberta.

Fortis says pockets of customers around Olds, Bowden and Red Deer are without electricity at this hour.

There were also power outages in rural communities around Vulcan, Lacombe and Pincher Creek, but technicians have been able to restore power to those areas.

Fortis spokesperson Jennifer MacGowan says if power cannot be restored by tonight they will alert affected customers.

ATCO customers also affected

Power is also out for ATCO customers in southern Alberta.

Alan Gano, the ATCO district manager for the East Central district, says they had a major transmission outage near Drumheller which was restored around 4 p.m. MT.

There were also power outages in the Rawly and Three Hills areas.

He said there are still small pockets of people affected in rural areas because of the weather.

ATCO asks that anyone who sees a downed power line or pole should call the emergency line: 1-800-668-5506, which is the line customers can use to phone for updates.