Residents of Alberta, British Columbia (B.C.), and Saskatchewan are preparing for severe winds and potential damage as weather warnings persist across the regions. Environment Canada has issued advisories for strong winds reaching speeds of 90 to 110 km/h through much of Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, with conditions expected to ease by Sunday evening.
Severe Weather Warnings Across Alberta and Saskatchewan
The wind warnings encompass areas from the Alberta-U.S. border to Fort McMurray, affecting local communities significantly. Tanya Croft, a Fortis Alberta representative, reported extensive power outages impacting around 8,000 residents. The strong winds coupled with snowfall have created hazardous conditions, resulting in downed power lines and infrastructure damage.
Expected Wind Speeds and Impact
- Wind speeds between 90 to 110 km/h expected.
- Damage potential to roofs, fences, trees, and other structures.
- High-sided vehicles may be at risk of being pushed around.
In addition to Alberta, southeastern B.C. is under special wind warnings, particularly in the Fraser Valley where gusts could also reach 90 km/h. BC Hydro reported approximately 1,900 customers in the Southern Interior without power, predominantly in Vernon. Most outages stem from fallen trees and branches disrupting power lines.
Snowfall Accompanied by High Winds
In southern Alberta, the strong winds may be accompanied by snowfall, affecting regions such as Calgary, Banff, and Strathmore. Forecasts indicate snow accumulations of up to 20 cm in some areas, which is expected to taper off by Sunday night.
Residents are urged to secure loose objects outdoors and maintain a safe distance from downed power lines and damaged electrical infrastructure. The weather agencies continue to monitor conditions closely, providing updates as necessary.
