Calgary digging out of latest storm, more snow expected Wednesday

The City of Calgary says crews are focusing on the city's busiest roads, clearing them of snow and making it safe for commuters.

The snow began falling Tuesday and continued through the night.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) forecasted another 10 centimetres by the end of Wednesday.

"We are still putting pickle mix down in some areas where ice could be present but we can start focusing on agents that will help eliminate some of that ice and help us clear those major routes down to bare pavement," said Chris McGeachy, city spokesperson for the roads and mobility department.

According to an update from Calgary police at noon, there were 170 vehicle collisions between midnight and 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Seventeen of those crashes involved injuries while 27 were hit-and-runs.

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A chain reaction crash on Tsuut'ina Trail near Buffalo Run Boulevard and 130th Avenue S.W. occurred around 8:40 a.m.

Eight vehicles were involved but no injuries were reported.

City Wide Towing driver Jeff Hribnak says his crew has been kept busy.

"It's been a busy week," he said.

"We came from the cold snap and into some snow and some greasier roads that we didn't really have during the cold snap, so this morning is definitely busy.

"And as it keeps lightly snowing here, it's not going to slow down."

Hribnak suggests motorists remain cautious.

"Take your time to where you gotta get to -- leave with plenty of time. It's not a rush," Hribnak said.

Bruce Qu was one of the eight who was stuck in the chain reaction crash.

His vehicle was damaged and remains undriveable.

"I noticed in front of me, there's a car accident scene but I couldn’t stop," he said.

"It is too slippery on the road."

Qu says he tried to avoid the crash by going into the left lane, which also compounded the chain reaction.

"It's a pretty messy day -- a pretty messy morning," he said.

"So fortunately, no one (was seriously) injured. There wasn't any notification, no sign at all and it's down the hill. All of a sudden, there's a car in front of you. You can't stop it."

Calgary Transit is also reminding riders to check their routes before they head out.

On Wednesday, the service was detouring some buses to avoid trouble spots and make sure vehicles didn't get stuck and riders didn't get stranded.

"By 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, all Calgary Transit snow detours will be lifted and buses will return to their regular routes. Please note that snow detours will remain in place for the morning commute," the service said in a statement issued Wednesday evening.

SNOWFALL WARNING EXTENDED AND EXPANDED

Meanwhile, a snowfall warning called for a number of Alberta regions is still in effect.

On Wednesday morning, the city of Lethbridge was added to that advisory.

"Heavy snowfall will continue with total amounts of 15 to 35 centimetres expected," ECCC said.

"Snow will continue to fall throughout the day and begin to taper off early Thursday morning."

The agency says drivers in all the regions under a snowfall warning should be prepared for winter driving conditions, including poor visibility due to blowing snow on highways.

It also advises residents to monitor all alerts and forecasts issued throughout the day.