Winds of 100 km/h batter parts of southern Aberta

Piercing winds blew through Calgaryand across central and southern Alberta Tuesdaymorning, with forecasters saying gusts up to 100 km/h were possible.

Meanwhile, in parts of central Alberta, heavy snowfall together withstrong winds created dangerous road conditions.

At 4:26a.m. Tuesday, Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the City of Calgary and surrounding region.

That warning was lifted at about 12:30 p.m. But wind warnings remainedin effect Tuesday afternoon for much of eastern Alberta, from Cold Lake to as far south asCypress Hills Provincial Park.

Wind warnings for the areas surrounding Lethbridge, Waterton Lakes National Park andCardstonended after 9 a.m.

The strong winds developedovernight across central and southern Alberta, reaching 100 km/h.

Environment Canada warnedthat damagecould occur toroofs and windows. Officials said to be aware of loose objects that can be easily picked up and carried by the wind.

Central Alberta hit by double whammy

A heavy snowfall was blanketing parts of central Alberta, which was also experiencing strong winds. The region could get between 10 and 25 centimetres of snow, Environment Canada said.

Edmonton, St.Albert and Sherwood Parkwere under a snowfall warning and were anticipated to see winds blowing up to 70 km/h. The snowfall warning covered a swathe of central Alberta stretching from Fox Creekto ColdLake.

The Bonnyville, St. Paul, Cold Lakeand Lac La Biche area in east-central Alberta was under a winter storm warning. Residents could seebetween 20 and 30 cm of snow before the precipitation tapers off, said Environment Canada.

A snowfallwarning for the Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge and Valleview area ended mid-morning Tuesday.

Environment Canada warnedthat the combination of heavy snow and strong winds can make driving conditions more dangerous.

"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow," the agency cautioned in an advisory.