Calgarians were hit with another dose of winter weather on Saturday.The snow started early and made for treacherous driving conditions on roads and highways in and around the city. There were reports that heavy winds had knocked down barriers and pylons on some Calgary roads, while blowing snow made for near zero visibility.The strong winds also created a potentially dangerous situation in the Manchester Industrial area. Police say scaffolding that was blown loose by the wind came dangerously close to utility wires.
Strong winds knock over scaffolding near the Manchester Industrial Park. Carolyn Kury de Castillo/ Global News.
The city started preparing for the snowfall on Friday and says its crews will be out in force throughout the day on Saturday.“All of our equipment has been checked and is ready to go,” said city of Calgary roads employee, Carissa Vescio. “We’re staffed up and we also have people on call if need be.”Vescio says the city has no plan to institute a snow ban, but urges Calgarians to monitor the city website or mobile app for any changes.The poor conditions have also prompted a warning from RCMP. Mounties are urging motorists to stay away from Hwy. 1 east of Calgary. Travel on the QE2 north of the city is also discouraged because of blowing snow and a serious crash near Crossfield.The RCMP is reminding motorists to drive to the road conditions and stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. They are also asking motorists to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained.
Strong winds knock over a tree in Northeast Calgary. Carolyn Kury de Castillo/ Global News.
The RCMP released these tips for winter driving:
Keep your headlights on at all times – don’t rely on daytime running lights
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires
Never use cruise control in the winter
Mounties also recommend drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicle at all times. It should include, amongst other things; a shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight and a compass.Environment Canada is predicting 10 to 15 centimeters of snow by the end of the day on Saturday. Some areas – like the foothills – could see even more.
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