Hazardous driving conditions are expected to remain for much of southern Alberta Tuesday morning, forcing many school closures and bus cancellations in Calgary and around the province.
An intense winter storm pounded central and southern Alberta Monday, prompting Environment Canada to issue blizzard and winter storm warnings for many locales.
READ MORE: Intense winter storm hits Calgary
Snow accumulation of 15 to 25 centimetres is expected in most areas by Tuesday morning. Higher accumulations, however, are expected in parts of the foothills, according to the weather agency.
Pincher Creek was under a winter storm warning as 40 centimetres had already fallen and snow is expected to continue into the early morning hours.
Environment Canada ended warnings for much of the province, including Calgary, just after 4:30 a.m. MT.
Warnings remain in effect for Strathmore, Fort Macleod, Lethbridge and High River.
Strong northerly winds and blowing snow continue to be a factor for Tuesday’s commute, with wind gusts of up to 60 km/hr for some areas, with near zero visibility. Winds are expected to ease throughout the morning.
Brutal highway conditions led to the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway on Monday.
READ MORE: Brutal highway conditions force closure of Trans-Canada Highway
RCMP said a number of cars and transport trucks went into the ditch, crashed, or got stuck in a huge snow drift on Hwy 1 westbound at Hwy 21, about 12 kilometres east of the town of Strathmore.
Alberta Transportation closed Highway 1 from Stoney Trail in Calgary, to Highway 36 near Brooks. The roadway is too dangerous for drivers, who are being urged to find shelter in a safe location or their vehicle.
RCMP say the highway will likely reopen Tuesday morning.
READ MORE: School bus cancellations, school closures for Tuesday
Several schools in Calgary and the surrounding area have cancelled classes due to the weather.
Calgary Board of Education said schools will be open as usual on Tuesday, but morning buses have been cancelled as a result of the blizzard conditions.
Late Monday night, the Catholic school board announced it is cancelling both morning and afternoon yellow bus service within the city. Schools will remain open.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Alberta storm
School buses will also not be running in several areas outside of Calgary, including Rockyford, Hussar and Standard.
The winter storm caused several delays and flight cancellations to and from Calgary International Airport on Monday and more delays are expected Tuesday. Travellers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
-With files from Melissa Ramsay and Tamara Elliott
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