Snowstorms on Sept. 8 and Sept. 10 contributed to power outages and road hazards throughout parts of Red Deer and Mountain View counties.
As a result of the unexpected snow, drivers on the QEII Highway between Calgary and Red Deer experienced delays and poor driving conditions.
Several minor collisions occurred on Sept. 10 with numerous vehicles ending up in the centre median of the QEII Highway according to members of the Alberta Integrated Traffic Services.
“Usually Albertans begin the annual transition from summer driving to winter driving conditions in October, but this snow in September has taken most drivers by surprise,” said Cpl. Darrin Turnbull. “This first snowfall is a reminder and an opportunity to get prepared for winter driving, which means preparing our vehicles and adjusting our driving to conditions that include snow- and slush-covered highways, black ice and blizzards.”
Fire departments in Olds and Didsbury responded to calls of downed trees on power lines during both snow events, as did Fortis and private tree care companies. Power outages did occur.
Temperatures dipped to at least -4 C in some areas.
