If you’re thinking about driving to southern Alberta over the next couple of days, heads up.

Environment Canada has today (March 12) issued a winter storm watch for southern Alberta, including Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek and Waterton Lakes National Park.

“Hazardous winter weather conditions are expected over parts of southern Alberta starting this evening. Reduced visibility in blowing snow and heavy falling snow is expected to last through Saturday for some areas. There is some uncertainty as to how far south this storm system will develop; certainty will increase as the event draws nearer and this watch may be upgraded to a warning,” Environment Canada stated.
“Unseasonably cold temperatures will settle in over the province beginning Friday. Temperatures are expected to remain much colder than normal until early next week.

“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.”

The winter storm watch thus far encompasses: M.D. of Pincher Creek near Cowley Burmis and Maycroft; M.D. of Pincher Creek near Pincher Creek and Twin Butte; M.D. of Ranchland; Municipality of Crowsnest Pass including Coleman and Frank; Piikani Reserve; Waterton Lakes Nat. Park and Blood Res. 148A.

The watch also covers Lethbridge and area, while the Canmore, Banff and the City of Calgary are under a snowfall and winter storm warning.

At this time there is no weather alert for the East Kootenay, though snow and colder temperatures are forecast for the region for Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, with sunshine and rising temperatures in the offing starting Sunday.

Lead image: Areas in red note where there is a winter storm warning and yellow covers the winter storm watch. Environment Canada map

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