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Heavy snowfall warning issued for southern Alberta

Wet roads and falling snow made for a slow commute Thursday morning.

Environment Canada has issued a heavy snowfall warning for Calgary and for the bulk of southern Alberta — from Airdrie south to the American border.

The warning moves into a winter storm alert as it moves south.

Police say the falling snow and dip in temperature is creating some problems for drivers Thursday morning.

Duty Insp. Darren Leggatt says it's time Calgarians get into a winter driving mindset again.

“With the freshly fallen snow, and the fact the road conditions are likely to deteriorate and slow things down on the roads anyway, I think starting the mindset from the perspective of patience and understanding one is going to have to take their time today," Leggatt said.

Police say 194 collisions were reported from midnight to 4 p.m. MT Thursday — 12 of those involved injuries.

The City of Calgary says crews began preparing for the snowfall last night.

"We're putting material down, some anti-icing material in anticipation of the snow," said Jennifer Thompson-Goldberg.

"And then again with the warm surface temperatures, and the previous salting and material we put down, the snow has just melted when it has hit especially those main commuter routes.

"Once it really starts to snow and we are into the season and we are expecting those heavier snowfalls, we are working seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”

The city says despite the potential for significant snow, a parking ban will not be called prior to Sunday.

Environment Canada says Calgary could get up to 15 centimetres of snow by tonight.