2 killed in separate crashes as winter storm sweeps over southern Alberta

Two people were killed in separate crashes Tuesday as a winter storm swept over southern Alberta.

The first crash happened about 3:30 p.m. when an SUV travelling south on Highway 2 rolled near the Crossfieldturnoff, just north of Calgary,and landed on its roof.

A 23-year-old female driver was declared deceased at the sceneand a 21-year-old female passengerwas not injured.

Both women are from Cardston.

About an hour later, an SUVtravelling on Stoney Trail hit a pole near Highway 22X. Four men believed to be in their 20swere taken to hospital where one later died.

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Police said between noon and 4:45 p.m., there were 85 crashes reported, with eight involving injury.

Up to 20 centimetres of snowis expected to fall over the city by Wednesday morning and officials don't expect to enact a snow route parking ban, however that could change if conditions deteriorate.

Carmacksmaintains provincial roads in the city, including Stoney Trail andDeerfootTrail.Highway division manager Gary Brooks says they will have crews out 24/7 to keep motorists moving.

"We have extra staff in [Tuesday] and tonight and tomorrow as well," he said.

"We have 24 trucks and two tow plows for both Stoney Trail in the north and Deerfoot Trail. The object is to keep moving and keep everything going and try to keep the public moving."

Brooks says if the snow is heavy, crews will put more sand down, and when the snow stops, they'll try to get rid of the ice.

City crew also spent Tuesday afternoon clearing P1 routes major commuter roads like Crowchild Trail, Memorial Drive and Macleod Trail along with applying a de-icing mixture known as beet brine to trouble spots, bridge decks and on- and off-ramps.

Once the P1 routes are cleared, crews will begin clearing P2 routes such as Acadia Drive and Kensington Road; however, they will return to clearing P1 routes if snow starts falling again.

Homeowners are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours after the snow has stopped.

Drivers are advised to check conditions of highwaysbefore heading out as Environment Canada has issued winter storm and snowfall warnings for much of southern Alberta.

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