Video: Historic snowfall breaks 67-year record

Airdrie and Calgary are waking up and digging out of a historic snowfall. The old record that was set on April 19th, 1955 saw 20.0 centimetres on the ground. Yesterday that record was bested, as 22.3 cm centimetres of snow fell.

On Tuesday, it was predicted that Airdrie would see between 10-20 centimetres of snow. Flurries have stopped and today's above-zero temperatures are expected to start melting the snow. However, road conditions early Tuesday morning were hazardous with numerous accidents reported across Airdrie and the area. 

East E 581 - SB QEII from Carstairs to Airdrie on Wednesday morning (Photo provided by Evaline Vanderpol)

Natalie Hazel, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, observed that while there are plus-side temperatures on the way, this does not mean the blanket of snow will disappear overnight.

"We do see through the foothills area in Southern Alberta that we have a freeze-thaw cycle in a lot of places. Temperatures of zero during the day temperatures, but below zero at night; so that will slow down the melting."

She added road conditions will remain tricky for the next little while. However, there is hope for the weekend as it looks like Saturday will see a high of eight degrees during the day and by Monday, it is forecasted to be 12 degrees. Hazel did note though that this year's spring is significantly cooler.

"It looks just a little cold from what we'd expect at this time of year."

Airdrie city crews are clearing roads and walkways, while residents are digging out after the latest spring snow dump. According to Airdrie's city bylaws, residents have, "24 hours of the last snowfall to clear their sidewalks. Snow or ice from your sidewalk or driveway cannot be deposited on City roadways or public places." It's also important to remember that if a windrow has been left behind after a snowplow has cleared your street, it is the homeowner's responsibility to remove it.

(Video provided by Evaline Vanderpol)

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