Weather experts are forecasting another windstorm for Cochrane and the surrounding areas.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist, Terri Lang says we have a strong chinook pattern in the works coupled with a northerly system heading our way.

"Well there's certainly a chinook pattern setting up and a strong one," explains Lang. "We do have a weather system moving to the north and moving along the Northwest Territories border. That's often the case of where these types of situations set themselves up."

The last windstorm to pass through the Cochrane area left several residents of Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Morley and the Tsuu T'ina Nation without power for several days. Those winds travelling at 140 km/h took down powerlines and several large trees in the area and sadly resulted in the fatality of a resident helping with the cleanup.

Lang says at this time, Environment Canada is forecasting wind gusts slightly below 100 km/hr and a wind warning will likely be issued later today.

"At this time we're looking at wind gusts up to about 80 through the Cochrane area, certainly possible to have gusts up to 90," explains Lang. "We'll keep an eye on that and see what the new weather models have to say to us.

Although the wind will be slightly lighter than the last windstorm, Lang warns that it can still leave a lot of damage. She strongly recommends securing all loose outdoor items.

She says that extremely heavy and persistent winds are expected to hit Southern Alberta overnight and continue tomorrow.

"We are expecting those [winds] to pick up -- looks like after midnight some time," explains Lang. She goes on to say "[It will] probably be strongest closest to about 5, 6 and 7 a.m."

Environment Canada is also forecasting snow for tomorrow (Saturday) with temperatures falling below freezing on Saturday night. While Cochrane will likely only see about 2 cm, Lang says all the ingredients are there for some pretty slick road conditions on Saturday night and into Sunday.