Strong winds topple transport trucks on southern Alberta highways

Powerful wind make travel treacherous Some strong wind in southern Alberta caused a number of truck crashes on Wednesday. Alesia Fieldberg reports.

Environment Canada has issued wind warning for parts of southern Alberta and police say a number of large vehicles have been blown over on area highways by the strong winds.

The weather agency says gusts could reach up to 130 km/h in some areas and the wind will continue to strengthen through the morning.

Wind warnings are in effect for the following areas:

Environment Canada says the winds will weaken later in the day but are expected to strengthen again on Friday.

People who live in the area are being advised that the strong winds could cause property damage.

RCMP is advising against travel for larger, lighter vehicles, RVs and empty tractor-trailer units on Highway 2 and Highway 22.

Police say they have responded to a number of situations where vehicles have been blown over. Part of Highway 22 was closed for a few hours while crews dealt with a semi that was blocking the road.

A travel advisory has also been issued for the area and the province says commercial vehicles are having trouble travelling along Highway 22, between Longview and Highway 3.

Inderpreet Singh was in one of the semi tractor-trailers when high winds forced him to think twice about continuing.

"It's just too hot for trucks on the highway."

Another driver, Raman Grewal, was forced to stop for several hours because of the wind.

"I was coming in front and this guy was behind me and [I felt] the container lifting so we pulled over," he said. "It was so scary."

He said he saw at least two trucks that had blown over into the ditch. Grewal says this is the first time he's ever experienced such strong winds that have forced him to stop.

For the latest on weather watches and warnings from Environment Canada, click HERE.

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