Cochrane's wind warning Tuesday was linked to the same strong low-pressure system that brought heavy rains and flooding to much of southern British Columbia and killed one person, B.C. RCMP confirmed.
The "potent weather system" moved into Alberta on Nov. 16, bringing winds gusting up to 90 km/hr in the Cochrane area, triggering a wind warning from Environment Canada, but meteorologist Kyle Fougere said the storm has since moved on.
"When we get into November, we typically do see storms like this," he said, noting the warm air from the south and arctic air from the north bring strong weather systems with it.
This strong low-pressure system moved through the province bringing widespread winds of up to 110 km/h in parts of southern Alberta.
The warning, issued just before 11 a.m., was in effect for Rocky View County communities including Cochrane, Bottrell, Madden, Airdrie and Crossfield, as well as Mountain View County communities such as Carstairs, Stirlingville, Cremona, Water Valley, Olds, Didsbury and Sundre.
"The system brought quite a bit of snow with it and Cochrane was spared by the worst of it," he said, noting Banff saw more than 35 centimetres fall while Lake Louise had more than 50 cm.
October and the beginning of November saw above-normal temperatures and while Fougere said winter doesn't officially start until Dec. 1, area residents should move into that winter mindset.
"Now we're into a typical pattern which is more stormy," he said. "Definitely be ready for winter conditions with the cold and that wind chill."
Winds also bring blowing snow and reduced visibility, he said, noting it's important for motorists to check road conditions before travelling and ensuring to leave the appropriate time to get from A to B.
"Strong winds are pretty common in southern Alberta and motorists should adjust their driving speeds accordingly."
In the case of a power outage due to high winds and stormy conditions, Fougere said it is important to be prepared.
"Emergency kits are a great thing to have in these times," he said.
