Heavy snowfall expected in southern Alberta, up to 40 cm: Environment Canada

It doesn’t apply to Calgary — not yet, anyway — but some parts of southern Alberta could see as much as 40 centimetres of snow starting Saturday afternoon.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued “snowfall and winter storm” warnings for areas like Okotoks, Kananaskis, the Canmore area, Brooks and Lethbridge.

Heavy snow is expected to last until Sunday morning.

Between 10 and 20 cm is in the forecast, with the heaviest amount south of a line from Canmore to Okotoks to Bassano.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” the ECCC said.

Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the province, the Cardston-Crowsnest pass areas are being warned they could see between 30 and 40 cm.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” the ECCC said.

The weather authority advises to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.