Update: 11: 10 a.m.
Fire, Police and roads crews worked through the night and plow
crews will be continuing road maintenance work today. Alberta Transportation
has removed the dangerous conditions alert for Highway 1 and it is open in both
directions. There is bare pavement evident but icy and snow covered shoulders.
The Environment Canada Blizzard Warning is over, but most
roads have snow or ice on them and blowing snow remains an issue in some areas.
If you are driving today, please use extreme caution, especially since many residents
have changed out their snow tires.
Update: 3:40 a.m. Highway 1 from Chestermere to Calgary has been reopened. Highway 1 from Chestermere to Bassano remains closed until further notice. Thanks for your patience.
1:25 a.m. Update:
The City of Chestermere has been
working to coordinate responses to the spring storm that pummeled southern
Alberta yesterday.
“Alberta Transportation has
closed Highway 1 due to very dangerous conditions. Snow is still blowing and
visibility is very reduced,” says Fire Chief Brian Pomrenke. “Dozens of
vehicles have hit the ditch – we have heard estimates as high as 70
vehicles.”
Wind gusts are estimated around
50km/h at this time and snowfall is expected to continue until 3am.
City road crews are also working
to clear priority 1 routes within the City limits.
Earlier this evening, portions of
the City of Chestermere were without power for approximately 2 hours. Fortis
Alberta worked with Altalink and restored power to the community before
10pm.
Updates throughout the evening
have been posted to www.chestermere.ca/alerts, www.chestermere.ca/facebook, and www.chestermere.ca/twitter.