Calgary's Struggle with Power Outages

Calgary is grappling with strong winds that swept in on Thursday, causing unplanned power outages and triggering a weather warning for the city. The powerful gusts, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, have created significant challenges for residents and utility crews alike.

Weather Warnings and Utility Responses

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued its wind warning around 11:30 PM Thursday. While the warning was lifted a few hours later, the forecast predicted continued gusty conditions throughout Friday, leading to potential disruptions for both homes and businesses.

Power utility Enmax has been working tirelessly to restore service after numerous outages were reported across Calgary neighborhoods. By 7 AM Friday, power interruptions were confirmed in various areas, including Brentwood, Hillhurst, and downtown Calgary, affecting thousands of residents. The utility has been keeping the public informed through social media updates, but many are still left in the dark as crews work to address the issues.

Hazardous Road Conditions

In addition to the windy conditions, Alberta RCMP has urged drivers to reconsider travel plans due to unsafe road conditions across the province. Many highways are currently suffering from both high winds and snowfall, increasing the risk for accidents. Between noon Thursday and 8 AM Friday, officers reported a staggering 149 weather-related collisions, with six of those resulting in injuries.

The RCMP emphasized the importance of adhering to travel advisories: “When it is advised to not travel, please take this advice. You are not only putting your own life at risk but also risking other lives, including all first responders,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Ongoing Weather Alerts

Furthermore, a significant portion of central and eastern Alberta remained under alerts for wind and reduced visibility due to snow throughout the early hours of Friday. Some areas, in fact, were under blizzard warnings, as weather conditions continued to evolve.

Safety Reminders for Residents

As the city and province navigate these challenging weather conditions, residents are reminded to stay safe, ensure their homes are prepared for potential outages, and heed travel warnings. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and updates on power restoration efforts and road conditions will continue to be provided as the storm passes.