UPDATE: 2:20 p.m.
Environment Canada has upgraded its special weather statement to a watch for Mountain View and Rocky View counties, including Airdrie and Cochrane.
Blizzard-like conditions are warned in the snow squall watch issued just after 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17.
"Brief, intense snowfall causing poor visibility is possible this afternoon and evening along the Foothills," reads the statement from the federal agency.
"Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather," it reads. "Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow."
A snow squall watch is issued when conditions are favourable for brief and intense bursts of heavy snow producing near-zero visibility, Environment Canada said.
ORIGINAL:
Residents of Mountain View and Rocky View counties should prepare for a rapid drop in temperature, strong winds and a dump of snow.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for areas within the two counties, including Airdrie and Cochrane.
Special weather statements are issued when there isn't immediate urgency, but people should know conditions are unusual and it could be cause for concern. These can also be upgraded to an advisory or warning.
Monday's statement (Jan. 17) warns of strong winds, snow, blowing snow and temperature drops of 10-15 C in short times.
Motorists and pedestrians are warned that wet surfaces may freeze quickly and should prepare for icy conditions.
"Be prepared for poor travel conditions," the national agency said.
Strong northwest winds, with gusts of up to 70 km/h, are expected to develop early this evening in the central foothills and will move south overnight.
Environment Canada says wind gusts should reach Calgary by evening and Lethbridge by midnight. They are expected to taper off from the north overnight.
Intense periods of snow is expected with the onset of winds and the agency warns visibility could suddenly be reduced to zero in the blowing conditions.
For more information, visit weather.gc.ca.
