Winds of up to 167 km/h blast southern Alberta, toppling vehicles and ripping siding from home

Environment Canada has issued alerts about strong and potentially damaging winds over a swath of southwestern Alberta, amid reports that gusts of up to 167km/h had blown over vehicleson several highways and ripped the siding from buildings.

As of 8:30 a.m. Thursday, there were wind warnings in effect for areas around Okotoks, Kananaskis, Pincher Creek, Cardston and Nordegg.

"Strong winds with severe and damaging gusts are expected or occurring," the agency said in its alert covering Cardston, Fort Macleod and Magrath.

Winds of 167 km/hwere recorded north of Waterton Park Gate on Highway 6, while wind speeds of 154 km/hwere recorded onHighway 22 north of Lundbreck.

Fort Macleodsaw wind speeds of 128 km/hand Pincher Creek saw 111 km/hwinds.

The Alberta Emergency Alert system issued a stormbulletin Thursday afternoon, saying that there are downed trees and power lines in the Fort Macleodarea.

Vehicles blown over on Highway 2, Highway 22

Crowsnest Pass RCMP say several large vehicles have been blown over on Highway 2 and Highway 22.

An overturned semi-trailer briefly forced the closure of Highway 22 in both directions from the intersection withHighway 533 by Chain Lakes Provincial Parksouth to Highway 3 by Lundbreck.

RCMP are still advising against unnecessary travel on Highway 22 between Highway 3 and Longview because of the strong winds.

Travel isn't recommended for any large, light vehicles such as RVs and empty tractor trailers.

Winds are forecasted to weaken Thursday eveningbut may strengthen again on Friday.

Environment Canada is also cautioning drivers to take precautions because of the high winds.

Banff and Jasper national parks are under snowfall warningswith total amounts of about 25 centimetres expected, and up to 40 cm in some locations, including along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).

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