‘Safe travel impossible’ on southern Alberta roads as winter storm hits Prairies, officials warn

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Winter storm shuts down some Sask. Highways, brings snow, wind and freezing rain

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Snowfall warning in effect for central and northern Alberta

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I’m Katie Swyers, a reporter in Saskatchewan.

As snow continues to fall in Saskatoon, the city's director of emergency management Pamela Goulden-McLeod says crews are working on keeping priority streets clear.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 32 graders, 16 sanders, 14 plows and six sidewalk plows out, she said.

“Bottom line is emergency services are all ready, the city is all ready,” Goulden-McLeod said.

The city is asking people to stay inside tonight.

Saskatoon has activated its winter emergency response plan for people experiencing homelessness and is making warming shelters available. Goulden-McLeod said tents are unsafe given the high winds and amount of snow, so residents should contact emergency services if they see anyone staying outdoors.

And that's only if you absolutely need to travel — as it's recommended to avoid driving if possible.

One officer told Grasser that some highways are so icy you can’t walk on them without slipping.

RCMP is also reminding people 911 is for emergencies only. Grasser says someone called 911 today to complain about a cancelled flight.

Saskatchewan RCMP just gave an update on today’s blizzard and what officers are seeing on the roads.

Officers responded to 29 weather-related calls between midnight and 2 p.m. CST Wednesday, most involving collisions or stranded vehicles, RCMP spokesperson Keely Grasser said.

RCMP are on the scene of a collision on Highway 1 near Broadview and detachments in the southwest are getting lots of calls for help in areas around Swift Current and White Butte, Grasser added.

With freezing rain turning into blowing snow later, “if you don’t have to be on the road tonight, don’t be,” she said.

An emergency alert has been issued for roads in southern Alberta, including Airdrie, Beiseker, Crossfield, Didsbury, Drumheller, Irricana and other rural routes in Rocky View County, Mountain View County and Kneehill County, because of multiple crashes.

"Severe winter weather conditions in south central Alberta are making safe travel impossible," reads the Alberta Emergency Alert posted just after 2:00 p.m. MT.

"Area highways and roads may be closed without notice, and emergency service may not be available in some areas."

Airdrie RCMP is reporting that 80-100 vehicles are backed up between Calgary and Airdrie, a city approximately 40 kilometres north of downtown Calgary, because multiple collisions have blocked the road.

Police have not confirmed whether anyone has been injured.

A warming centre has been set up in Airdrie, with buses bringing stranded people back and forth.

Thirteen flights at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) were cancelled pre-emptively in anticipation of the storm, according to the communications manager.

"YEG is prepared to keep passengers and flights moving safely through even the most extreme winter conditions," Erin Isfeld said in an email just before 1 p.m. MT.

The highway south from the city to the airport, near Leduc, is partly covered in snow and ice, road reports say.

All remaining flights but one departing Saskatoon airport have been cancelled today, with only the flight to Calgary at 9:45 p.m. CST currently listed as "on time."

The list of arrivals shows a mix of cancelled, delayed and on-time flights. Check the airport’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Today's remaining three departures from Regina’s airport have also been cancelled, as have most incoming flights.

We’ve just heard from the Calgary International Airport that the flight suspension will be lifted at 2:30 p.m. MT.

The airport says at least one runway should be operational in less than half an hour.

Even with the suspension lifted, some flights may continue to be affected in the aftermath of the snowstorm.

Nasty winter storm blasts Calgary

The city joins most of Alberta under extreme weather advisories Wednesday, with officials warning of hazardous winter conditions on roads.

Speaking from experience (I’m from Manitoba), driving on the Prairies can be extremely dangerous during the winter months, when ice and snow builds up on the roads.

Combine that with heavy winds and blowing snow limiting your visibility and you’ve got a very treacherous situation when a snowstorm hits — even if you have winter tires to give you more grip on the road.

“You can go to zero visibility in a hurry, where you have no idea where the roadway is, where the ditches are,” said Jenny Hagan, a severe-weather specialist and storm chaser, who spoke with our colleagues in Saskatchewan earlier today.

Alberta RCMP are advising drivers to stay off all roads across the province today. If you're involved in an accident or a collision, they say they can’t guarantee they’ll be able to get to you quickly.

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