Chaos arrives with first snow

Collisions, power outages and early school dismissals were reported across southern Alberta as wet snow and high winds created winter-like conditions on Monday.

Highway 3 from Taber to Medicine Hat was closed for most of Monday due to blowing snow resulting in extreme winter driving conditions and numerous traffic delays due to collisions and vehicles in the ditch. RCMP also advised against non-essential travel on the Highway 3 stretch from Fort Macleod to Taber.

There was a collision on WhoopUp Drive just before noon, but no injuries were reported by Lethbridge Police. The City of Lethbridge lowered the speed limit on Whoop-Up to 60 km/h as well Monday.

A number of other small collisions around the city resulted in LPS posting winter driving reminders to social media. They also closed the collision reporting centre at 2:30 p.m., but it will reopen today at 8 a.m.

There was a rollover reported at the roundabout at Highways 519 and 25 near Nobleford, and Taber RCMP were advising motorists of a significant traffic disruption on Highway 36 south of the town.

RCMP say a semi truck and trailer lost control near the Chin Lakes reservoir and was blocking both north and southbound lanes. It was anticipated that the road would be impassable for several hours while crews worked to clear the scene.

Many rural-area school districts sent students home early on buses, or made arrangements for pickups by their parents.

RCMP also issued a reminder to drivers to heed the conditions when travelling in inclement weather.

“Posted speed limits are the maximum intended for ideal summer conditions,” a release states. “When the weather worsens, reduce speed accordingly. Drivers are also advised to take extra care and caution when travelling in inclement weather, including near snowplow equipment.”

As of late Monday, all highway closures will remain in place until further notice. Highway maintenance contractors are working to reopen the highways as soon as safely possible, RCMP say.

Updates are available at 511.alberta.ca.

Herald photo by Tijana Martin Members of the Lethbridge Fire Department help clear up a minor two-vehicle collision downtown along 8 Street South on Monday afternoon. It was a busy day for Lethbridge first responders and Coaldale RCMP as parts of southern Alberta dealt with the...