Raging storm brings record snowfall to Calgary

As much of Alberta enjoyed balmy spring weather Thursday, Calgarians faced a wicked snowstorm that stranded air travellers, saw hundreds of accidents and today has residents facing potential flooding.

The storm dumped more than 23 centimetres of heavy snow on the city, smashing an 88-year-old same-day record of 15.2 centimetres. The downtown and northeast caught the brunt of the storm, said Environment Canada.

But with warm weather expected to return today -- bringing sunny skies and a high of 12 C -- homeowners will be keeping an eye on their basements should a rapid thaw bring soggy conditions.

Emergency Medical Services responded to 35 accidents between 5:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., caused by the slippery roads and diminished visibility -- conditions that left some commuters stranded at home or late for work by over three hours.

From 5 a.m. until the end of the evening rush hour, Calgary police handled 17 collisions with injuries and a further 245 without.

At the height of the storm, the city dispatched as many as 70 sanders and 10 graders. It cost roughly $400,000, about $50,000 more than the cost of the road crew shift which would have been out anyway.

While plows kept traffic moving, many air travellers were at a standstill, with 43 of about 200 flights cancelled at Calgary International Airport. Some flights had to be diverted to Lethbridge and Edmonton.

People calling for cabs also faced major delays, with some cabs arriving over three hours after they were requested.