A dangerous winter storm with intense blowing snow has smothered the Calgary region, prompting urgent warnings from police and highway officials for drivers to avoid all non-essential travel. The hazardous conditions have already caused multiple vehicle collisions and significant road closures throughout the area.
City Under Yellow Advisory as Visibility Vanishes
Environment Canada issued a yellow advisory warning for blowing snow shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The alert indicates that impacted areas are experiencing moderate to short-term hazardous weather capable of causing damage, disruption, and health impacts. The agency specifically highlighted the Highway 2 corridor between Calgary and Red Deer, the Highway 1 corridor east of Calgary, and exposed areas within Calgary city limits as the zones most likely to be affected.
The Calgary Police Service reinforced the severity of the situation, advising motorists to avoid travel in the city due to extreme winter storm conditions. “Many collisions and road closures are in effect,” stated the CPS. Travel service 511 Alberta reported numerous collisions within Calgary, with widespread travel delays expected across the urban area.
Highway Chaos and Regional Warnings
The storm's impact extended far beyond the city limits, creating treacherous driving conditions across central Alberta. Multiple vehicle collisions on the QEII Highway between Calgary and Airdrie forced the closure of all lanes in both directions near 40th Avenue S.W. Drivers were told to prepare to stop, detour, and expect lengthy delays as emergency crews responded to the incidents.
Alberta RCMP issued direct warnings to residents of Didsbury, Airdrie, Rocky View County, Crossfield, Beiseker, and other nearby rural communities. Police reported zero visibility on many roads and confirmed they were responding to “numerous collisions and vehicles in the ditch.” The RCMP's advice was unequivocal: stay off the roads.
511 Alberta shared images from the QEII near Balzac showing significantly reduced visibility due to the relentless blowing snow, reminding drivers to use their headlights and exercise extreme caution.
Broader Storm System Grips the Prairies
This local event is part of a much larger winter storm system affecting vast portions of Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada's satellite imagery from December 17 depicted the massive stormy weather across the Prairies.
To the west, the severe conditions forced the closure of the Icefields Parkway between Saskatchewan River Crossing and Valley of the Five due to hazardous driving and avalanche control activities. Parts of Highway 1A in the Bow Valley near Banff were also shut down.
Meanwhile, southern regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and part of Ontario were placed under a more severe orange weather alert warning of potential blizzard conditions. This alert signifies the risk of significant damage, with major impacts that could last for several days. In southern Saskatchewan, travel was not recommended on roads near Regina and Moose Jaw, with some routes completely closed.
Non-essential travel is not recommended in the Calgary region until conditions improve, which is expected by Wednesday evening. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the powerful storm moves through the region.
