Winter storm closes highways, wreaks havoc
Disastrous and an absolute mess — a way to describe some people’s Valentine’s Day, but also road conditions throughout Alberta yesterday.
Alberta Transportation began issuing warnings midday Wednesday over driving conditions, with a blowing snow advisory in effect for Brooks, Cypress Hills, Drumheller, Hanna, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and surrounding areas. Snowfall, combined with 70-kilometre winds were causing reduced visibility.
The Trans-Canada Highway from Strathmore to Gleichen was closed for multiple hours due to snow, freezing rain, and wind — as well as RCMP responding to a multi-vehicle collision near Highway 21. At one point, the road closure extended down to Highway 36, west of Brooks.
The highway reopened shortly after 4 p.m., but with the warning of icy roads and reduced visibility — and long backups on the stretch of road between Calgary and Medicine Hat.
“Although the closures typically last only a few hours, Albertans who do not need to drive today in southern Alberta are advised to stay home,” said a statement issued by Alberta Transportation. “Those people who must drive are advised to prepare for winter conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces and adjust their driving habits accordingly.”
Roads heading west of Medicine Hat were also perilous — Alberta’s road report described parts of Highway 3 as being covered in snow, ice, with strong winds, drifting snow and poor visibility — something confirmed by multiple people contacting and posting to the News about conditions.
There were “blizzard conditions across the board,” said one local while travelling in a convoy of people barely going above 20 km/h on Highway 36 south of Taber.
One caller told the News that in his trip to Coaldale, the visibility was less than 15 feet ahead of him.
Several Prairie Rose School Division schools were put under “shelter in place” due to the conditions, with parents contacted with information on student pick up or billeting.
Weather and road conditions also led to the closure of the courthouse in Brooks for the day, with those at the Remand Centre in Medicine Hat instead having their appearances at the Medicine Hat Courthouse.
For up to date information on road conditions, visit 511.alberta.ca.