A powerful blizzard descended upon Calgary early Wednesday morning, creating hazardous driving conditions that resulted in multiple collisions and significant road closures across the city. The sudden snowfall reduced visibility and made roads treacherous, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings to motorists.
Multiple Collisions Reported on Major Highways
Around 8 a.m., the Calgary Police Service issued a notice confirming numerous collisions throughout the northern section of Stoney Trail. The exact number of injuries remains unknown at this time. Additionally, multiple crashes were reported on the north section of Deerfoot Trail near Country Hills Boulevard N.E., further exacerbating the traffic chaos.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
511 Alberta reported that these collisions blocked multiple lanes on both Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail, leading to closures that disrupted the morning commute. City of Calgary traffic reports indicated several other collisions and road closures throughout the city, with most northern areas experiencing slow and stop-and-go traffic conditions.
From midnight to 8 a.m., Calgary Police Service documented 24 collisions, with 12 of these incidents resulting in injuries. Police are strongly advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and expect significant delays across the metropolitan area.
Weather Forecast and Continued Snowfall
Environment Canada has forecasted five to ten centimetres of snow throughout the morning, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 kilometres per hour by the afternoon. Snow is expected to continue overnight, with conditions easing by Thursday morning.
The weather agency issued a specific warning about a band of heavy snow sitting over northern Calgary and moving slowly. Snow may accumulate quickly and visibility may be suddenly reduced, the warning emphasized, highlighting the dangerous conditions for drivers.
Safety Recommendations for Motorists
Given the deteriorating conditions, authorities recommend:
- Avoiding non-essential travel until conditions improve
- Reducing speed and increasing following distance
- Ensuring vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving
- Monitoring traffic reports and weather updates regularly
The combination of heavy snowfall, reduced visibility, and icy road surfaces has created particularly dangerous driving conditions that are expected to persist throughout the day. Emergency services remain on high alert as they respond to incidents across the city.
