Winter storm, snowfall warnings in effect for southern Alberta

A winter storm and snowfall warnings have been issued in parts of southern Alberta Sunday.

As of about 10:30 a.m., heavy snow and blowing snow continue over theCypress Hills Provincial Park-Foremost region, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

About 10 to 20 centimetres of snowfall is likelyto accumulatenear the Cypress Hills. Windgusts of up to 60 kilometres anhour are also expected.

Residents in the area shouldprepare for deteriorating travel conditions, Environment Canada warns, as heavy and blowing snow will likely reduce visibility "to near zero at times."

"Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight," the Environment Canada website said.

Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday evening with the snowfall expected to taper off.

Heather Pimiskern, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said lingering flurry activity is expected to continue in southern Alberta, including Calgary, for most of Monday.

"As we move forward into Monday night, we are anticipating that there will be a drastic improvement in conditions and maybe even some clear skies," Pimiskern said.

As of about 10 a.m. Sunday, snowfall warnings were in effect in the regions ofBrooks-Strathmore-Vulcan,Lethbridge-Taber-Milk River andOkotoks-High River-Claresholm. Snow is expected to accumulate to almost 10 centimetres.

Visibility and travel conditions will also be decreased in these regions.

Pimiskernsaid she recommends residents in southern Alberta check the provincial 511 website to determine if roads are safe to travel on.

Albertans can also monitor updates to these weather alerts on the Environment Canada website and report severe weather to the emailABstorm@ec.gc.caor tweet using#ABStorm.