Winter storm slams Alberta as RCMP caution driving on ALL roads
A winter storm smacking much of Alberta on Wednesday has spurred the RCMP to issue an alert cautioning against travel on all roads in the province.
RCMP say many roads are in rough shape due to heavy snowfall that is causing whiteout conditions in areas. Parts of southern, central, and northern Alberta are affected.
Police anticipate ongoing road closures in several parts of the province. Currently, there are closures on the southern parts of the QE II, preventing access northbound at Calgary and southbound at Red Deer, while emergency responders are assisting stranded motorists due to multiple collisions in the Didsbury and Airdrie areas.
“Please avoid travel and slow down. Check with 511 for the most up-to-date information on roadways in Alberta,” the RCMP news release added.
A flurry of winter storm, blowing snow, cold, snowfall, and wind warnings issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are in place across Alberta as of Wednesday afternoon.
The City of Edmonton and the surrounding area are currently under a snowfall warning, with ECCC stating that snow, at times heavy, continues, with total amounts of 15 to 30 cm today. Snow will taper off from northwest to southeast this afternoon, with heavy snow ending in the Edmonton area this evening. Travel will likely be challenging, and there may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.
The City of Calgary is under a blowing snow warning, with meteorologists saying that near-zero visibility in blowing snow continues, particularly outside Calgary city centre.
“Conditions will improve this evening, and motorists should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance,” the warning added.
Operations at the Calgary International Airport have also been impacted, with the airport posting on X that travellers should expect delays, and to check with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.
It’s snowy out there! ❄️ Our operations crews are hard at work keeping runways and surfaces clear while we are experiencing low visibility conditions. Please expect delays as we keep airport operations safe. Check with your airline for the most up to date flight information (1/2) pic.twitter.com/t2QFRGhe9t
— YYC (@FlyYYC) December 17, 2025
You can view the full list of watches, warnings, and special weather statements on the ECCC weather information portal.