‘Abrupt return’ to winter weather arrived in and around Calgary

A significant amount of snow is expected for Calgary and much of the province, and that has the city bracing for its impact.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s predicted sudden return to winter weather for Calgary and southern Alberta has arrived.

The agency issued a special weather statement to warn residents about the shift.

Snow began to fall Monday and ECCC said it isn’t expected to stop until sometime Wednesday.

By the time it wraps up, the agency says between 10 and 20 centimetres will have fallen, but as much as 30 centimetres could fall in some areas.

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The conditions are expected to be “challenging” on Tuesday, with blowing snow reducing visibility for drivers in many areas.

The City of Calgary said Monday crews were out working to prepare for the coming snow by getting equipment ready, applying anti-icing agents on trouble spots and ensuring all through lanes are clear.

“Motorists are reminded to monitor changing weather conditions – snow-covered roads, ice and visibility can be a factor in your commute,” the city said in a news release on Monday.

“Prepare yourself before you head out, leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go and adapt to the changing weather.”

Anyone who uses Calgary Transit to get around the city is asked to plan ahead and modify your schedule to give yourself extra time.

“If severe weather is expected to hinder the ability of Calgary Transit’s buses to safely move around Calgary safely and efficiently, snow detours may be implemented on certain routes to avoid known problem areas,” officials said.

Advice on how to travel safely in winter conditions is also available online.

Snow began to fly in time for the afternoon drive.

Fortunately, with it being the long weekend Monday, traffic was a bit lighter.

First responders were called out to a few collisions in the evening, including one on Stoney Trail by 114th Avenue S.E.

There were no reports of serious injuries.

But the real test is expected to start with the morning commute Tuesday, with steady snowfall expected to last much of the day.

Strong winds are expected to also reduce visibility dramatically, making driving conditions hazardous.

Highway conditions outside Calgary are also expected to worsen as the bulk of the snow moves in.

West of us, in the mountains, the highways are either partly or fully snow-covered, as are the streets of Banff and Canmore.

The MD of Bighorn has issued an advisory to avoid non-essential travel Tuesday, and there will be no classes for students at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School south of Calgary due to expected blizzard conditions.