A September snowstorm has snapped trees and downed power lines in several areas and a snowfall warning remains in effect for the City of Calgary and parts of southern Alberta.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Calgary and parts of central and southern Alberta.

The weather agency says another system is moving through British Columbia and will bring about 10 to 15 cm of snow to the area on Tuesday, with up to 20 cm in higher elevations.

The snowfall will taper off through Wednesday and more seasonal temperatures will return for the weekend.

On Monday, many were shocked to wake up and find a blanket of snow on cars and trees.

The weight of the snow has knocked out power to some communities and crews were out working on Tuesday to restore service and clear the lines.

Calgary police say there were 168 crashes between 10:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday; six of those involved injuries.

Officials recorded 11.8 cm of snow at the Calgary International Airport on Monday which broke a record set back in 1921.

Scott Kellock, with the company The Branch Manager, says the early snow is having a huge impact on trees. "Whether it's in the spring or the fall, it's when the leaves are still on the trees when we get the heavy wet snow. If this had happened two weeks later when all the leaves were off the trees, or a month from now, there'd be no damage."

The city says it has received about 4900 calls to 311 and that about 900 of those are about downed trees and the resulting problems. Crews are out on the roads and are laying down a salt mixture to prevent surfaces from icing up.

About 1200 people have been affected by power outages over the last few days.

ENMAX says there may be additional outages on Tuesday night and that there are a few things people can do to prepare for a disruption in service.

ENMAX tips to help prepare for a power interruption:

  • Reserve an easy-to-reach drawer or shelf for supplies, like a flashlight with fresh batteries, a battery-operated radio, matches and candles. A suggested list of items for your emergency kit can be found at the City of Calgary's Emergency Management website. To assist in compiling your items, you can purchase a disaster preparedness kit from the Red Cross.
  • Keep wood and a fire extinguisher accessible if you have a fireplace.
  • Use surge protecting power bars for all of your electronic devices.
  • Check your computer system. Some computers have back-up batteries. If yours doesn't, consider purchasing an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). The UPS gives you time to save your files and shut down your computer without losing work.
  • Check your owner's handbooks for safety precautions and directions when manually operating your garage door opener and other electric equipment.
  • Put a battery backup in telephones with built-in answering machines or cordless phones or they will not work during a power interruption. Keep your cell phone charged and have an emergency charger.
  • Check with your equipment manufacturer and with your caregiver or home care provider for specific steps to take if you use electrically powered medical equipment.
  • Have a plan and ensure everyone in your home understands what to do in the event of a power interruption.

To report a power outage call 403-514-6100. Click HERE to see where there are current outages.