Southern Alberta, including the city of Calgary, is either under a winter storm or snowfall warning, with a storm Monday bringing up to 50 cm of snow in some areas.
For the Calgary region, 15-25 cm of snowfall is expected to blanket the city by Tuesday evening.
Environment Canada says the “strong low pressure system” will develop in Montana Monday afternoon and bring heavy snow up to Alberta, including Banff National Park.
“Snow is expected to persist throughout the day on Tuesday,” Environment Canada said. “Easterly upslope winds will enhance the snowfall along the terrain with locally more than 50 cm possible.”
RCMP is warning drivers to stay off the roads, if possible.
“If it’s not essential travel, don’t go out,” Cpl. Tammy Keibel said.
“Conditions are going to be quite treacherous as the snowfall accumulates. It’s safest for everyone if you can stay off the roads if you don’t have any essential travel to do.”
Strong winds will accompany the heavy snowfall Tuesday morning, with gusts up to 80 km/h causing blowing snow and reduced visibility. The following areas are currently under a winter storm warning.
- Brooks, Strathmore, Vulcan
- Cardston, Fort Macleod, Magrath
- Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Waterton Lakes National Park
- Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Foremost
- Hanna, Coronation, Oyen
- Kananaskis, Canmore
- Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River
- Medicine Hat, Bow Island, Suffield
- Okotoks, High River, Claresholm
The areas around Calgary, Airdrie, Banff, Red Deer, Drumheller, Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House areas are currently under a snowfall warning. The bulk of the snowfall is expected to push out of the province Tuesday evening.
The weather agency says Albertans in the southwest areas of the province should avoid travel due to “rapidly accumulating snow” and if they must travel, carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.
A large portion of B.C. was also placed under a winter warning for Monday, but related to a pacific system that will run up through Washington state.