Alberta RCMP are issuing an urgent plea for drivers to reconsider travel and exercise extreme caution as a powerful winter storm sweeps across the province, creating treacherous road conditions and reducing visibility to dangerous levels.
Multiple Vehicles in Ditches, Emergency Response Delayed
RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff confirmed that police are receiving numerous reports of vehicles ending up in the ditch due to the severe weather. The situation is particularly acute in regions around Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and near Grande Prairie, though southern Alberta is also experiencing significant impacts.
Savinkoff emphasized that emergency crews are facing challenges responding to the high volume of incidents. "We have finite resources," he stated, warning that people requiring assistance may face extended wait times due to the sheer number of collisions and the hazardous state of the roads.
Edmonton Police Report Collisions, Urge Preparedness
Within the city limits, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is echoing the RCMP's warnings. Between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, EPS recorded 13 weather-related collisions. These included three hit-and-runs, one incident involving personal injury, and nine cases of property damage.
Sgt. Kerry Bates with EPS described the conditions bluntly: "It's nasty weather out there right now." He advised motorists that travel within the city is possible with proper precautions, but commuters must plan for significantly slower speeds on most routes. High-traffic corridors like the Yellowhead Trail, Whitemud Drive, Gateway Boulevard, and Calgary Trail are expected to be hotspots for incidents.
Police recommend that all drivers ensure their vehicles are equipped with winter tires and good-quality wiper blades. For anyone who must travel, packing warm blankets and emergency supplies is considered essential.
City Crews Mobilize for Snow Clearing
The City of Edmonton has activated its snow and ice response teams. Valerie Dacyk, general supervisor of the city's snow and ice program, stated that crews are working to clear roadways and will continue their efforts through the night and into Thursday.
"We are a winter city — we are ready and prepared for this," Dacyk affirmed. She noted that a period of freeze-thaw before the snowfall contributed to icy conditions underneath the fresh snow. Once primary snow clearing is complete, crews will resume applying traction materials and ice melt.
A Phase 1 parking ban, affecting arterial and collector roads, bus routes, and roads in business improvement areas, was scheduled to take effect at 7 p.m. on Wednesday to facilitate the clearing operation.
