Calgary recently experienced a significant snowstorm that impacted travel and commuting throughout the city. The Calgary International Airport temporarily halted all flights on Monday morning due to heavy snowfall. Operations resumed just before 10:30 a.m. but significant delays were still expected throughout the day.
Flight Delays at Calgary International Airport
The airport initially paused operations at approximately 9 a.m. as crews grappled with continuous, steady snowfall. An airport spokesperson advised travelers to consult their airlines for the latest flight updates, anticipating ongoing delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Impact on Daily Commute
The snowstorm severely affected morning commutes, resulting in numerous collisions. From midnight to 4 p.m., Calgary police reported:
- 389 total collisions
- 26 incidents involving injuries
- 50 non-injury hit and runs
Drivers faced slippery and slow conditions as snow continued to accumulate.
Calgary Transit and Road Conditions
Calgary Transit reported that approximately 50 buses became immobilized on the city’s roadways, primarily in the northwest. To mitigate further issues, snow detours were activated for all transit routes during the morning hours.
Earlier this month, Calgary Transit began transitioning to all-weather tires for its bus fleets, a process expected to finalize by 2029. This transition is part of an effort to enhance safety during winter conditions.
Snow Accumulation Expectations
Environment Canada indicated that snow accumulations in the area could reach between 10 and 20 centimeters. The snowfall was forecasted to taper off by the evening, providing some relief for commuters and travelers.
Snowstorm Warnings Across Southern Alberta
A snowfall warning was issued for several areas in southern Alberta, including:
- Lethbridge
- Taber
- Cardston
- Fort Macleod
- Pincher Creek
As the storm progressed, the city encouraged motorists to closely monitor changing weather conditions. Residents were advised to prepare for poor visibility and snow-covered roads before venturing out.
Travellers Left Rescheduling Plans
Another traveler, geologist Justin Lockhart, experienced a similar delay en route to Kamloops, B.C. He expressed concerns over how this weather delay could impact his planned travel to a mine.
The snowstorm in Calgary serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by winter weather and its substantial effects on both travel and daily life.
