Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Airdrie and Rocky View County.

Southern parts of the province are expected to see the first significant snowfall of the season starting today (Friday, September 27) through to Monday.

The foothills are expected to get the worst of it with the national weather service issuing a snowfall warning for Canmore, Banff, Kananaskis and Ghost Lake. Those areas could see upwards of 30 cm of snow by the time the snow stops on Monday night.

Snow is expected to begin falling along the central and northern foothills this morning spreading south and eastwards throughout the day. In Airdrie, we are expecting flurry activity to begin today and continue into Saturday with periods of snow forecast for Sunday and Monday.

“How far east the snow spreads remains uncertain at this time, however, the highest accumulations are expected to remain along the foothills and Mountain Parks,” said Environment Canada in a statement. “The Calgary area will likely see precipitation transition to snow by this evening, with accumulations up to 5 cm by Sunday morning.”

Winter storm watches and snowfall warnings have been issued for regions with total snowfall accumulations expected to reach 30 to 50 cm by Monday. On Sunday heavy snowfall is expected to move eastward bringing 10 to 25 cm of snow to areas near to and south of the Highway 1 corridor.

The Alberta Government has issued a travelers’ advisory in anticipation of the long duration snowstorm.

“The highway maintenance contractor in the southwest part of the province has been preparing for this event and will be ready to respond to winter driving conditions,” said the province in a statement sent to media.

The province is also recommending people postpone any non-essential travel plans as poor driving conditions are expected throughout the weekend in southwestern Alberta, including portions of Highway 1 and the QEII.

Additional information from the province

  • Drivers should consider postponing non-essential travel
  • Posted speed limits are the maximum intended for ideal summer conditions
  • Snow can accumulate quickly and visibility will be reduced
  • Drivers are encouraged to have winter or all-weather tires on their vehicles
  • Drivers are reminded to activate headlights so that tail lights are visible to drivers following behind
  • Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
  • All vehicles should have a winter emergency kit during the winter months
  • Please give snowplows room to work – stay back at least 10 metres to prevent collisions.

 

Know before you go – check 511 Alberta for the latest real-time road conditions.

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