Calgary weather: snow brings dozens of crashes during second spring storm

A fresh burst of snow has caused dangerous driving conditions and dozens of crashes across Calgary, Alberta, marking the second major spring storm in a week.

Environment and Climate Change Canada had warned of up to 20 centimetres of snow across central and southern Alberta.

A snowfall warning was issued for Calgary as the system moved in overnight and stalled through Thursday morning.

The storm began as rain before quickly turning into snow, according to Global Calgary.

“It started this morning (Thursday) with a light rain and from there things have just fallen apart,” said traffic and weather specialist Leslie Horton, speaking to Global Calgary.

“Moved in around four o’clock this morning, started with a light rain and then turned to a rain-snow mix. Now it is snow. It is going to wind down this afternoon, probably by dinnertime, and then we’ve got a nice day on tap for tomorrow (Friday). So we will see some melting pretty much Friday and Saturday.”

Calgary police reported at least 163 crashes between midnight and noon, including 22 with injuries.

City officials said the conditions were typical for the season. “(It’s) no surprise. March and April are high accumulation months, whether it is snow or rain,” said mobility spokesperson Chris McGeachy.