Heavy snow prompts warning in Calgary, brace for travel impacts ...

Published on Nov. 18, 2024, 12:18 PM

Updated on

Nov. 18, 2024, 3:45 PM

Snowfall warnings issued for southern Alberta, with drivers urged to brace for difficult travel through Monday

A snowfall warning is in effect for southern Alberta, including the city of Calgary, for Monday. This is the first warning of the season for the region, with drivers being urged to adjust to the quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

"There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning.

DON’T MISS: Why the first snowfall of the season can catch drivers by surprise

A weak, compact low pressure system developed in Alberta overnight, and has been bringing snow to Calgary and surrounding areas through the pre-dawn hours on Monday. Before sunrise, 3 cm had already fallen.

Snowfall will be quite heavy through the morning commute, lingering into the afternoon, with a few flakes still falling in the evening, as well.

Between 5-15 cm of snow is forecast throughout Calgary, with even heavier totals falling to the west of the city, and upwards of 20 cm expected. It is possible for the forecast to increase, and for some areas to see even heavier totals, but it will be dependent on convective bands setting up over the region.

Regardless, it'll be a much slower day on the roads, and you'll likely want to leave plenty of extra time.