Are you prepared for snow this weekend?

The city says it is ready to clear our roads. Are you ready to drive in it?

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Brace yourself as the first blast of winter could hit Calgary this weekend.

According to Environment Canada, Calgary and surrounding areas are under a special weather statement with the snow expected to start Friday afternoon.

“We’re expecting the rain to transition to snow sometime late this afternoon or this evening,” said Environment Canada Meteorologist Justin Pattern. “Most of the snow will be confined to the higher terrain of the Foothills and the west.”

Calgary could only see about 5 cm by Sunday but other regions of southern Alberta might see more.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for Okotoks, Medicine Hat, Cardston, and the Crowsnest Pass with 30 to 50 cm possibly falling.

Regardless of how much snow falls in the city, road crews will be out and ready and are hoping drivers will be too.

“Know that travelling will be much different and so we need to be further back from other vehicles, giving yourself space to stop regardless of whether the road is plowed or not,” said Troy Macleod with the City.

READ MORECity gets plows, crews ready for first blast of winter

The arrival of snow is also a reminder to make sure your vehicle is prepared to handle the winter conditions.

“Take your vehicle in, get it inspected,” said Ryan Lamont with AMA. “You want to make sure your block heater is working. Check up on your battery just to make sure that’s in good working order because batteries typically last between three to five years in Alberta.”

Lamont said you should also check headlights and taillights and consider getting winter tires on your vehicle.

Reporter Saif Kaiser speaks to Calgarians about the coming snow 

While some provinces mandate the use of winter tires, Alberta has not followed suit. In an email to 660 NEWS, Transportation Minister Ric McIver said “It is the responsibility of each driver to do what it takes to drive safely. We encourage drivers to use caution no matter the circumstance and to drive according to their ability and the ability of their vehicle. At this time, the Government of Alberta is not planning to mandate the use of winter tires.”

 

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today