RCMP blamed “extreme wind” for causing various semi-trailer rollovers in southern Alberta on Monday.
One semi rolled on Highway 2 north of Claresholm, Alta. at around 10 a.m. RCMP said no one was injured, but the rollover did cause southbound lanes of Highway 2 to be re-routed while crews worked to move the vehicle.
That rollover was one of at least four traffic incidents involving semi-trailers.
“Trailers with light or no cargo seem to be particularly at risk to being blown over,” Coaldale RCMP said in a statement. “The high winds are expected to continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening.”
RCMP were called to Highway 3 near Coalhurst, Alta. at around 8:30 a.m. after a semi blew over, blocking one lane of traffic.
Another semi-trailer rolled over on the QEII south of Airdrie, Alta. just after 9 a.m. It was cleared shortly before 11:30 a.m.
In addition, RCMP in the village of Nobleford, Alta. were called to Highway 23 at around 10 a.m. after a semi-truck hauling an empty trailer rolled onto its side, blocking both the north and southbound lanes on the Monarch overpass.
Coaldale RCMP said the truck and trailer had been removed from the highway as of 1:30 p.m.
Global Calgary meteorologist Jordan Witzel said the wind comes from a “classic Chinook setup.”
“It’s a little bit more of a widespread front that is pushing through across the province. Everything is a little bit further north so not your perfect Chinook setup but we definitely have the warmth and we have the wind.”
The incidents prompted police to ask drivers to take extra caution, especially when trailers are involved, and encouraged drivers to consider delaying trips until wind conditions improve.
High winds were also felt in Calgary, where the fire department had responded to two wind-related calls as of 2 p.m.
“One at the 7000 block of Macleod Trail, where some pieces of a building are flying off, and a backyard tent on Rundleview Road,” spokesperson Carol Henke said in an email. “Also, there is some scaffolding that came down from a building on 8 Street by 14 Avenue S.W.”
With files from Global’s Erika Tucker
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