A powerful snowstorm in the Wood Buffalo region has left numerous drivers and their vehicles stranded south of Fort McMurray, causing widespread disruption on Alberta highways and Edmonton streets.
Highway 63 Remains Impassable
In a phone call with Postmedia on Friday morning, Alberta RCMP Staff Sgt. Sabrina Clayton reported that Highway 63 remains impassable between Highway 881 and mile marker 140. The majority of stranded vehicles are concentrated in that area, but the affected zone extends further south to Wandering River, approximately 200 kilometres south of Fort McMurray.
RCMP have shut down Highway 63 northbound from Wandering River to Fort McMurray, as well as the section south of Marianna Lake. Travel in both directions north of Imperial Mills on Highway 881 is also closed.
Tow Trucks Escorted Amid Snowdrifts
On Friday, RCMP began escorting several tow trucks southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 63 to reach vehicles blocking the roadway and assist stranded drivers. However, efforts have been hampered by large snowdrifts that have accumulated as traffic stopped moving, and plows have been unable to access the area.
“Escorting tow trucks started this morning as a way to try and get traffic moving again. Unfortunately those efforts have been hampered by some of the snowdrifts that are in the way now that traffic’s not been moving, and plows haven’t been able to access the area,” said Clayton.
Blizzard Conditions Since Wednesday
The heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions began around 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the region. RCMP are still compiling the number of collisions and stranded vehicles, but Clayton described it as a “significant number,” with conditions worsening over the last 48 hours.
“I know a lot of people have switched over to summer tires in anticipation of spring, and that’s definitely not helped in this case. Right now, we’re still trying to establish how many people are actually stranded on the highway,” said Clayton.
She noted that stranded vehicles range from industry equipment and semi trucks blocking the road to passenger vehicles.
Community Support and Safety Warnings
Many community members from the Wood Buffalo region have stepped up to help by delivering supplies to those in need. RCMP even responded to a driver experiencing a medical emergency while stranded.
“We’re trying to touch base with everybody, as much as we can and get them information to know that we’re working on getting them out and home,” said Clayton.
While there have been numerous collisions, none have been serious. Blowing snow and ice have caused minor collisions and vehicles sliding into ditches, leaving many stranded. Clayton urged residents not to drive supplies out to stranded drivers, as it could put them at risk of collisions or becoming stranded themselves.
