The numbers
Calgary experienced a heavy wet snowstorm on Thursday morning, with Environment and Climate Change Canada issuing a special weather statement that forecasted up to 20 centimetres of snow. The storm has already caused significant disruptions, with Calgary police reporting at least 163 crashes on city streets between midnight and noon on Thursday, resulting in 22 injuries.
A snowfall warning was issued ahead of the storm, predicting between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow accumulation. As the storm progressed, the number of traffic incidents continued to rise, with police reporting a total of 229 crashes from midnight to 4 p.m. on Thursday, which included 23 injuries.
Chris McGeachy, a meteorologist, noted, “(It’s) no surprise. March and April are high accumulation months, whether it is snow or rain.” This historical context highlights the typical weather patterns experienced in Calgary during these months, where residents often face significant snowfall.
As the storm system is expected to move out of the Calgary area around dinnertime on Thursday, temperatures are anticipated to rise, reaching around 8 degrees Celsius on Friday and 5 degrees Celsius on Saturday. This warming trend is likely to cause some of the snow to melt, alleviating immediate concerns about road conditions.
In light of the hazardous driving conditions, McGeachy urged caution, stating, “We just want to remind people: leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go, plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.” This advice is crucial as the city navigates the aftermath of the storm.
Looking ahead, flurries are forecasted again for Sunday, with potential for additional snowfall, raising concerns about further disruptions. Kevin Stanfield remarked, “One snow event down, a couple more to go perhaps, and they start again this weekend,” indicating that residents should remain vigilant as winter weather continues to affect the region.
As Calgary grapples with the impacts of this snowstorm, Chris McGeachy added, “Calendar might say April; unfortunately, winter’s still here for a couple more days.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns in the region, as residents prepare for the possibility of more snow in the coming days.
