A powerful winter storm sweeping across Alberta forced the closure of a critical section of Highway 2, the Queen Elizabeth II (QE II) Highway, north of Calgary on Wednesday afternoon. The decision came after multiple collisions were reported amid blustery conditions that created near-zero visibility for drivers.
Dangerous Conditions Prompt Highway Shutdown
The closure was implemented as Environment Canada issued updated winter storm warnings for southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. Authorities reported that "damaging" winds were expected along the Highway 3 corridor, with similar hazardous conditions affecting the QE II. The combination of heavy snow, high winds, and blowing snow made driving extremely perilous, leading to the series of collisions that ultimately necessitated the highway's closure.
Travel was severely disrupted across the Prairies. In Saskatchewan, the Prairie Spirit School Division announced it was closing all schools ahead of an expected blizzard. Meanwhile, several flights departing from Edmonton International Airport were cancelled due to the intensifying snow storm, creating a ripple effect of travel delays across the region.
Widespread Impact Across Western Canada
The severe weather was not confined to Alberta. On British Columbia's South Coast, a separate storm knocked out power to more than 100,000 customers. Environment Canada had also issued weather warnings for every province outside of one specific region, highlighting the broad scale of the winter weather systems.
In response to the storm and its aftermath, the City of Calgary took a proactive measure, asking residents who rely on well water to refrain from creating private skating rinks this winter to conserve water resources. This request underscores the broader community adjustments often required during periods of extreme weather.
Safety Reminders During Winter Storms
The incidents on the QE II Highway serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rapidly changing winter conditions. Driving experts and authorities consistently advise motorists to:
- Check updated road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance significantly.
- Be prepared to delay or cancel trips if conditions deteriorate.
- Ensure vehicles are equipped with a winter emergency kit.
As of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, authorities were managing the situation on the closed highway section. Motorists were urged to find alternate routes and to monitor official sources like @511Alberta on social media for the latest updates on reopening times and road safety information. The closure highlights the ongoing challenges and necessary precautions during Canada's harsh winter driving season.
