Snow causes traffic and flight delays
CBC News
Posted: Nov 21, 2012 8:17 AM MT
Last Updated: Nov 21, 2012 10:25 AM MT
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Calgary Police are asking drivers to adjust for winter driving conditions as they worsen throughout Wednesday evening.
There have been 113 reported accidents — 14 of them injury-related — from midnight to 4 p.m. MT Wednesday.
The weather is also affecting some flights at the Calgary International Airport.
Jody Mosley, who speaks for the airport, says travellers can expect delays and even cancellations.
"Anything from de-icing the aircraft, in addiiton to that we keep the runways clear — it takes a little time to sweep the runway clear of snow, there are a few extra steps that are involved when there's snow outside, that the entire airport goes through," Mosley said.
Environment Canada said 10 to 20 centimetres of snow can be expected by Thursday morning.
"Weird weather continues with another snowfall warning," tweeted Calgary's Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
"Will likely be snowing during pm rush. Take it easy, leave extra time, be safe.... And I am sorry about the weather. Yes, I washed my car. #itsallmyfault."
A snowfall warning had been issued for the bulk of southern Alberta — from Red Deer to the American border.
According to Environment Canada, a low pressure system has moved into Montana Wednesday morning bringing periods of freezing rain to southern Alberta.
Heavy snow moved into southern Alberta later on Wednesday, with another band of precipitation from the U.S. pushing north towards Red Deer along a line from Banff to Medicine Hat.
No snow route parking ban yet
Peter Jacoby, from the City of Calgary, says crews were out overnight to make sure the major routes were in good condition for the commute Wednesday morning.
"Priority 1s and 2s are clear and passable, but of course winter driving conditions have set in overnight so people are going to want to leave lots of extra time when they're headed out on their commute," he said.
Albertans living in the areas highlighted in red were being warned to brace themselves for a blast of winter weather on Wednesday. (weatheroffice.gc.ca)The city says conditions could be right to declare a city-wide snow route parking ban, but no decision has been made. The city offers automatic email alerts on snow route parking bans for residents looking for updates.
Some flights at the Calgary International Airport have been affected, and travellers are being advised to check their flight status before departing for the airport.
"We do have cancellations today due to the weather headed for Calgary — seven in total," said WestJet's Robert Palmer. "The flights affected are between Calgary and Vancouver, Abbotsford, Victoria and Winnipeg. We are in the process of contacting guests affected to reaccommodate them."
Air Canada spokesperson Angela Mah says they are also experiencing delays related to the amount of time required to properly de-ice aircraft in these conditions.
"So delays are certainly to be expected," she said. "To take the pressure off the de-icing lineup, we have cancelled two flights to Vancouver, with a larger aircraft substituted on the next flight to accommodate customers. Thanks go to our customers for their patience as we work towards getting everyone on their way safely."
For weather updates throughout the day, check out CBC's weather website.
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