Get ready for a huge hammering of snow, Alberta.
According to Environment Canada, a storm system over the American Rockies will bring heavy snow all day Thursday, continuing Friday and ending Saturday morning. The snow will intensify as it passes over the Pincher Creek area Thursday afternoon and spread northeast. The heaviest snow is expected in parts of Crowsnest Pass and Cardston, with up to 35 centimetres falling by Saturday morning. The rest of southern Alberta can expect to see between 10 and 25 centimetres.
Story continues after the slideshow...
Snow Photos - Nov. 7, 8, 9 2012
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Open Image ModalDespite heavy snowfall, two people walk through the Field of Crosses in Calgary, Alberta, on Thursday, Nov .8, 2012. The project is set up each year for Remembrance Day and more than 3000 crosses bear the name and a Canadian flag for Albertans killed in wartime. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal)
(02 of26)
Open Image ModalSnow #art at #OlympicPlaza #yyc (credit:@weebdacat)
(03 of26)
Open Image ModalLOVE this photo of Olympic Oval Speed Skaters shoveling strangers walks. Donate $10 here (credit:@mikesbloggity)
(04 of26)
Open Image ModalHeavy snow falls on a new wreath and poppies laid in front of a grave at the military section of the Burnsland Cemetery in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012.
(05 of26)
Open Image ModalThis is a current shot of the Trans-Canada (16th Ave) in #yyc. Messy and slick. (credit:@KelseyTWN)
(06 of26)
Open Image ModalThe official Global Television snow ruler recording 11 cm on the picnic table. Another 15 to 20 cm on the way. #yyc (credit:@Paul_Dunphy)
(07 of26)
Open Image Modal"@YorchCalgarian: This morning... #yyc #ABStorm pic.twitter.com/540toMxe" Frozen friend (credit:@margG2401)
(08 of26)
Open Image Modal#YYC SNOW PLOWS ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE!!!! (credit:@CameraguyRob)
(09 of26)
Open Image ModalMy car is an igloo! (credit:Twitter, sariieee)
(10 of26)
Open Image ModalGo to work, no snow on car. Get back from work. Lots of snow on car. (credit:Twitter, ThaThrill24 )
(11 of26)
Open Image ModalSmart or lazy? I'm on the fence on this one #yeg (credit:@boosbag)
(12 of26)
Open Image ModalBow Trail SW eastbound. 5 vehicles involved including school bus. Be careful out there #yyc (credit:@ctvecarpenter)
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Open Image ModalAnd the snow strikes #yyc again :( (credit:@daledaletweets)
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Open Image ModalChilly #yyc (credit:@meg_roe)
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Open Image ModalHappy Every Bus Is Late Day! #yyc (credit:@erincerise)
(16 of26)
Open Image ModalGoodnight #yyc #snow #love (credit:@dblasetti)
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Open Image ModalWinter wonderland in #YEG. Hoping it's looking better in #YYC when I get home! (credit:@Gadget_Guy)
(18 of26)
Open Image ModalSnowy morning at #yyc airport. @WestJet (credit:@denisekinghorn)
(19 of26)
Open Image ModalPretty to look at, if you don't have to drive in it. ; ). (credit:@littlemissmocha)
(20 of26)
Open Image ModalA blustery drive from #yyc to @sunshinevillage today. Just driving thru an accident scene. Drive safe take it slow (credit:@MsJodyM)
(21 of26)
Open Image ModalSorry #yyc.... Blackfoot closed.Not my fault I swear. (credit:@parnell_jay)
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Open Image Modalpoor little #pigeons huddling in the snow (credit:@weebdacat)
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Open Image ModalMore snowflakes on the way in #yyc (credit:@leahhennelphoto)
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Open Image ModalA pedestrian crosses a snow-covered street in Edmonton Alberta Wednesday November 7, 2012. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Capital Region. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
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Open Image ModalDallas Strangway is covered in snow while out for a walk in Edmonton Alberta Wednesday November 7, 2012. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Capital Region. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
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Open Image ModalCharlie Cobban walks down snow-covered stairs in Edmonton, Alberta Wednesday November 7, 2012. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Capital Region. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
The areas affected by snowfall warnings include:
- Okotoks, High River, Claresholm,
- Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Waterton,
- Cardston, Fort MacLeod, Magrath,
- Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River,
- Cyress Hills Provincial Park,
- Medicine Hat, Bow Island, Suffield and
- Brooks, Strathmore, Vulcan
The Calgary Herald reports that temperatures will also dip as the storm progresses; creating a windchill in the -23 C range.
Road conditions in Calgary Thursday morning were troublesome for commuters, with 34 collisions reported to police before 9 a.m., the Herald reports. Calgary Police Services said they responded to six collisions causing injury and 28 non-injury accidents.
Meanwhile, Edmonton continues to dig out after as much as 31 centimeters of snow fell Wednesday.
Police responded to more than 200 crashes Wednesday and an additional 23 Thursday morning, according to the Edmonton Journal. At least a dozen people were injured and one person died in the crashes.
Edmonton body shops were struggling to keep up as a steady stream of tow trucks brought in damaged cars and trucks.
"Our afternoon was very, very busy," Herbers Autobody Repair employee Rodd Hallett told the Journal. "The phones were going crazy. I'd phrase it as being chaotic all day."
Perhaps the only people thrilled with the big dump of snow are the province's skiers and snowboarders, who will hit the hills this weekend to what will likely be impressive openings at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Marmot Basin ski resorts.
UPDATE: The City of Edmonton has announced a parking ban will go into effect on designated routes Friday morning at 7 a.m.
UPDATE: 9:30 p.m. -- Canmore RCMP are advising that travel is not recommended on Highway 1, both east and west bound, from Highway 1X to the Banff Park gates. The highway is currently very icy with blowing snow and reduced visibility.