Snow began falling unseasonably late in Calgary this year, but the city finally got a big dump last night, leaving commuters with a slippery drive to work on Monday.
The sudden snow caught some drivers off guard. As many as 117 crashes were reported between midnight and noon throughout the city, police said. Twelve of the collisions resulted in injuries, while 10 involved cases of hit-and-run.
Heavy snow was forecast for Calgary and other parts of southern Alberta for this week, with 10-15 centimetres expected in some areas.
All that snow made bussing it to work no less worrisome for some commuters. Calgary Transit warned that some bus routes might be behind schedule or require detours. A motorist
posted on social media platform X how one bus had slid into another at Westbound Mahogany Gate in the city’s southeast.
At the first hint of snow, workers headed out to plow the city’s “priority one” business routes and apply anti-icing agent to the pavement. With more snow expected to continue throughout the week, the “priority 3” residential zones might stay slippery until the busy areas have been cleared. According to the
511 Alberta travel safety hotline, most of Calgary’s major highways are covered with ice or snow as of Nov. 18.
Offering some safety tips for snowy conditions, the Calgary Firefighters Association
posted a checklist on X for Calgarians braving the streets, among which they noted to check tires for good tread and ensure they are properly inflated. The association cautioned drivers to ensure that their defroster fluid is topped up and wiper blades are working, as well as the vehicle’s battery and brakes.
The association also said drivers should be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out on the snowy roads. It’s advisable for drivers to carry booster cables, as well as an emergency kit containing warm clothing such as mitts and a hat, along with snacks and water, in the event they may get stranded.
From September to Nov. 17 this year, Calgary has seen the lowest recorded snowfall since 1918, with only 3.1 centimetres falling in the past three months. On average, according to
the Weather Network, Calgary receives 19 centimetres of snow in November. Last year, only 5.2 centimetres fell in that entire month. So far this year, only 2.5 centimetres have fallen.
