Heavy snowfall expected to hit Calgary late Monday, continue overnight

Calgary drivers are projected to have a challenging commute on Tuesday morning as a significant amount of snowfall is forecasted to land on the city over the next 24 hours.

Environment Canada renewed a snowfall warning shortly after 4:30 a.m. Monday morning.

The weather agency said heavy snow was expected to begin falling near Grande Cache and Jasper by late afternoon before spreading south toward Calgary. It is projected to continue through the night and into Tuesday with accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres.

"The heavy snowfall event will gradually come to an end from north to south on Tuesday afternoon and evening," Environment Canada said in its release.

Kyle Brittain, a weather expert and freelance video journalist, previously told CBC News that the snow system is what's called an up-slope storm, which means the air flows up the slope of the land. That helps to enhance precipitation totals along the terrain, such as in the foothills and the mountains.

Environment Canada said that drivers should be prepared for dynamic road conditions over the coming 24 hours.

"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow," the agency said.

As per Calgary's priority snow plan, the city will plow on the highest volume roads first, including Crowchild Trail, Glenmore Trail and Memorial Drive.

"It will really depend on how fast the snow comes in, how heavy it is, but our crews are planning for that 40 centimetres," said Tara Norton-Merrin with the City of Calgary. "They've brought in extra crews, and we have contractors working as well.

"But if you are planning on driving on Monday night, or Tuesday during the day, you may want to stick to those main routes, because that's definitely where our crews will be working."

As of Monday morning, Environment Canada had issued snowfall warnings for several areas across southern Alberta including Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, Sundre, Banff National Park, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Okotoks.