CALGARY – Earlier this week Southern Alberta was under a heavy snowfall warning. As much as 45 cm of snow or more fell in parts of the province. The City of Calgary received a great deal of snow in this early season storm.
For RCMP in Southern Alberta, the road conditions led to many accidents. This came after the reports of how bad the road conditions were. Alberta RCMP first began issuing warnings about extremely poor driving conditions, starting at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. Motorists were requested to avoid travel on Highway 1, west of Calgary.
Southern Alberta – Despite several warnings in conjunction with Alberta 511 reports, travellers ventured onto southern Alberta highways
At 1:30 p.m., an update was provided with continued warnings of poor driving conditions and reduced visibility. At 2:45 p.m., Alberta RCMP released a warning to motorists in the Airdrie area that travel should be avoided.
At 11:30 p.m., Tuesday evening, an advisory was issued that travel was not recommended on all southern Alberta highways.
In coordination with Alberta Transportation, Highway 1 was closed Wednesday night near Lac Des Arc. No fatalities were reported as a result of the weather-related delays and no injuries to stranded motorists were reported.
Highway crews, tow trucks and the RCMP worked through the night to clear the roads and assist motorists. Unfortunately, several motorists remained stranded in their vehicles.
Highway 2 was closed between Bowden and Crossfield as RCMP responded to a 25 – 30 vehicle collision resulting in one death at approximately 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.
The RCMP responded to approximately 83 collisions in southern Alberta between 10:30 a.m. yesterday and 10:30 a.m. today.
Weather continues to be a problem today, and an 8:45 a.m. media release was issued again warning motorists that travel is not recommended on Highway 1A west of Cochrane.
Current Conditions
- Highway 1 between 1X and Canmore have reopened in both directions.
- Highway 1A east of Canmore is now open in both directions.
- Highway 2 is open in both directions.
Alberta RCMP reminds motorists to check weather conditions and traffic conditions on Alberta 511 before travelling. While the efforts of the patrolling members remained ongoing through the afternoon and evening, it was not possible to assist every motorist who became stranded.
To ensure you are ready for extreme weather this winter, please visit GetPrepared.ca
