A snowfall warning is in place Friday for Rocky View County and nearby urban centres including Airdrie and Cochrane.
A long period of snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres (cm) is expected, Environment and Climate Change Canada (Environment Canada) said in an alert issued at 4:29 a.m. for much of central and southern Alberta.
The alert is in place for:
Rocky View County near Airdrie, Crossfield, Bottrel, Madden, Cochrane, Bragg Creek, Tsuu T'ina, Chestermere, Dalroy, Dalemead, Irricana, Beiseker and Kathyrn.
“Snowfall will begin in southern Alberta this morning, spreading northward through the day. Snowfall intensity will vary through the day and tonight, with general amounts of 5 to 10 cm anticipated by Saturday morning,” the federal agency’s early morning alert said.
Snowfall is expected to intensify early Saturday morning, with another 10 to 15 cm anticipated by Saturday evening, before easing and gradually ending overnight into Sunday morning.
“Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
Snowfall warnings are issued in Alberta when 10 cm or more of snow falls within 12 hours or less.