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Yellow Advisory: Blowing Snow Paralyzes Alberta Roads – What You Need to Know
A brutal winter storm has slammed Alberta, triggering blowing snow advisories, multi-vehicle pileups, and near-zero visibility across major highways. With Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issuing yellow-level warnings, drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel as treacherous conditions persist.
From Calgary to Airdrie, Cochrane to Moose Jaw, and beyond, the storm has left hundreds stranded, roads closed, and emergency crews scrambling. Here’s what we know—and why this matters for every Albertan.
Recent Updates: Pileups, Warnings, and Travel Chaos
1. Multi-Vehicle Crash Strands 100+ Cars on QEII Highway
On December 17, a massive pileup between Calgary and Airdrie left 100+ vehicles stranded after sudden whiteout conditions caused a chain-reaction collision. A driver interviewed by CityNews Calgary described the horror:
"One second, the road was clear. The next, it was just white—no visibility at all. Cars were sliding everywhere."
The QEII Highway, a critical artery for commuters and freight, was shut down for hours as tow trucks and RCMP worked to clear the wreckage.
2. RCMP Warns Against All Travel in Alberta
The Alberta RCMP issued a blanket travel advisory, urging drivers to stay off all roads due to dangerous whiteout conditions. Global News reported:
"If you don’t absolutely have to be on the road today, don’t. The risk is just too high."
3. Environment Canada’s Yellow Advisory – Blowing Snow
ECCC issued a yellow-level blowing snow advisory for Rocky View County (near Airdrie and Crossfield), Cochrane, and Calgary, with visibility dropping to near-zero due to gusty north winds.
Key details:
- Issued: December 17–18, 2025
- Affected areas: Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Moose Jaw (Sask.)
- Hazard: Sudden whiteouts, rapidly changing visibility, treacherous road conditions
- Forecast confidence: High
Context: Why Blowing Snow Is More Dangerous Than Regular Snow
What Is a Blowing Snow Advisory?
Unlike a regular snowfall warning, a blowing snow advisory means wind is picking up loose snow, creating sudden whiteouts—even if the sky isn’t actively snowing.
- Yellow advisory = Moderate risk (visibility drops to <1 km)
- Red warning = Severe risk (visibility drops to near-zero, life-threatening conditions)
The Alberta Clipper Effect
The current storm is linked to an Alberta Clipper—a fast-moving low-pressure system that sweeps across the Prairies, bringing heavy snow, gusty winds, and rapid temperature drops.
Historical pattern:
- 2023: A similar clipper caused 200+ crashes in a single day.
- 2021: A whiteout on Highway 2 led to a 100-vehicle pileup.
Expert insight:
"Blowing snow is one of the most unpredictable winter hazards. It can go from safe to deadly in under a minute."
— Environment Canada meteorologist
Immediate Effects: How the Storm Is Disrupting Life
1. Traffic Chaos & Road Closures
- QEII Highway (Calgary-Airdrie): Closed for 6+ hours
- Highway 1 (Trans-Canada): Multiple jackknifed semis, reduced to one lane
- Highway 1A (Cochrane): Near-zero visibility, RCMP turning back drivers
2. Emergency Response Strained
- Calgary EMS reported a 300% increase in weather-related calls.
- Tow truck companies overwhelmed—some drivers waiting 4+ hours for assistance.
3. Economic Impact
- Freight delays: Trucking companies rerouting shipments, adding hours to deliveries.
- Business closures: Some Calgary businesses sent employees home early.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Alberta?
Short-Term (Next 24–48 Hours)
- More snow & wind: Another Alberta Clipper is expected to hit Saskatchewan and southern Alberta by Friday.
- Extended advisories: ECCC may upgrade to red warnings if conditions worsen.
Long-Term Risks
- Increased accident rates: If drivers ignore advisories, pileups could escalate.
- Supply chain delays: Food, fuel, and medical shipments may face disruptions.
How to Stay Safe
✔ Check 511 Alberta before driving.
✔ If caught in a whiteout:
- Pull over (if possible) and wait it out.
- Turn on hazard lights, do not stop in traffic lanes.
✔ Emergency kit essentials:
- Blankets, flashlight, snacks, phone charger.
Final Takeaway: Respect the Storm
This blowing snow advisory isn’t just another winter warning—it’s a life-threatening situation that’s already caused massive pileups, road closures, and stranded drivers.
Stay informed. Stay off the roads if you can. And if you must drive, be ready for the unexpected.
For real-time updates:
- Environment Canada Alerts – weather.gc.ca
- Alberta 511 Road Conditions – 511.alberta.ca
- CBC News Alberta – cbc.ca/alberta
Drive safe, Alberta. ❄️🚗
Related News
More References
Blowing snow advisory for part of the region
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow advisory for blowing snow in parts of the southwest.
Blowing snow advisory issued for Moose Jaw
Environment and Climate Change Canada have issued a yellow level blowing snow advisory for the City of Moose Jaw as well as surrounding communities. Another Alberta clipper will bring snow, blowing snow and gusty winds to parts of Saskatchewan on Thursday night into Friday.
Blowing Snow Brings Visibility to Near-Zero in Calgary
A winter storm walloped Calgary, Alberta, on Wednesday, December 17, with meteorological service Environment Canada issuing a yellow advisory, warning of blowing snow bringing visibility to near-zero.
Blowing snow could snarl travel near Cochrane
Environment Canada is warning of blowing snow near Cochrane today, with reduced visibility expected across parts of Rocky View County. Forecasters say falling snow combined with gusty north winds will create poor visibility starting later this morning.
Blowing snow advisory issued as visibility expected to drop near Airdrie
Environment Canada has issued a yellow blowing snow advisory for Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield, warning visibility could be reduced beginning Wednesday morning. The advisory was issued at 3:28 p.