WATCH ABOVE: Global’s Jill Croteau explains how driving conditions are hazardous in and around Calgary
CALGARY – Drivers have been warned to stay off the roads after Alberta was hit by a winter snowstorm.
Poor conditions have been reported on roads in Calgary and highways right across the province.
In the 12 hours between 4 p.m. on Friday and 4 a.m. on Saturday, emergency crews responded to more than 100 crashes, 84 of which resulted in injuries.
RCMP say one person died in a single vehicle collision south of Bowden on Friday.
Another person was taken to hospital following a crash just outside of Calgary, on highway 594 and range road 284.
His injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Highways across the province are slick and snow-covered and the RCMP is urging motorists to avoid unneccessary travel.
Drivers caught on highways during the snowstorm said it was a white-knuckle commute.
“We’re heading from B.C. … We came out of Fernie heading to St. Albert and road conditions are questionable at best,” said Victor Jensen.
“Just flew in from Phoenix, so this is a bit of a change.”
Another commuter, Mike Stroh said the blowing snow made it difficult for motorists to see the road.
“You have to slow down and make sure you’re not driving too fast and stay in the right lane,” he said.
The Director of Disaster Services for the town of Carstairs said Friday the town’s arena had been opened for stranded motorist.
It was staffed by municipal staff and disaster service members.
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