Southwestern Alberta warned to brace for up to 40 cm of snow as major storm approaches

Environment Canada says Calgary can expect up to a quarter of a metre of snow and some parts of southwestern Alberta could even get 40 centimetres as a big storm system moves in along the foothills starting Thursday evening.

The snowfall warning says Calgary, Banff and Nordegg areas will likely get 10 to 15 centimetres by Friday morning and more on the weekend as the storm intensifies.

"The city of Calgary could see between 15 and 25 centimetres total before this system pushes eastward on Saturday evening," the agency's warning said.

"By Saturday evening, total snowfall accumulations may approach 40 cm, especially over regions in southwestern Alberta."

The agency said drivers should be ready for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

It's also going to get very cold on the weekend. In Calgary, Environment Canada is forecasting a high of –19 C and a low of –26 C. 

The snowfall warnings also cover:

• Airdrie.
• Cochrane.
• Sundre. 
• Olds.
• Okotoks.
• High River.
• Claresholm.
• Kananaskis Country.
• Canmore.

Areas further south are under winter storm watches.

While there is some uncertainty about how far south the storm will reach, Environment Canada says motorists should prepare for reduced visibility in blowing snow and heavy falling snow through Saturday.