March 19 was declared the beginning of spring, but winter was not completed in southern Alberta. A cold wind swept south on Tuesday, delivering an intense fall of heavy snow in certain areas of western and southern Alberta.
Environment Canada has snowstorm cautions in place for a major portion of the province, as well as Calgary.
Between 10 to 30 cm of snow is predicted by Friday mid-day across southern Alberta. Most areas will face 10 to 15 cm of snow however, a few places could see as much as 30 cm, the agency warned.
Calgary Transit said it would be starting snow diversions on some roads beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
These snow diversions will be in place to support to decrease in the number of buses that get trapped and keep transportation moving as efficiently as possible, it said.
The cold spell is anticipated to last over the weekend and into next week.
The forecast encouraged the Southern Alberta RCMP to inform of the possibility of a spring storm, which may come with traitorous road conditions in the impending 48 hours.
Usually, the region between Airdrie and Innisfail on Highway 2 has remained a zone of “great worry, the Mounties said. If travel is not necessary, please stay home, the police spokesmen said in a news announcement.
If you need to travel, RCMP advises motorists to use extreme caution, travel slowly, and keep an increased distance between yourself and other drivers.
The City of Calgary echoed the Mounties’ appeal for motorists to limit travel if possible, informing Calgarians that they should be preparing for “a substantial snow event.”
It said individuals should be ready for as much as 25 cm of snow, with up to 40 cm possible by Friday.
If individuals can limit travel, this would be highly recommended. But if you need to travel, confirm you are equipped before you head out, expect postponements, and take your time to ensure safety, the city said in a report.
After numerous days of spring-like settings, Calgary can assume a high of just 5 C, with snow starting to fall around midnight.
Speaking on the Calgary Eyeopener, weather expert and self-employed video journalist Kyle Brittain said with Alberta’s present drought situations, spring snowfalls are precisely what’s required.
