Skip to content

Province issues hazardous road conditions alert in Central Alberta

Travel was not recommended on Thursday evening
240116-rda-milletfire
The Millet Fire Department shared this image from a collision on Thursday afternoon

Alberta RCMP advised drivers across the province to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary Thursday evening. 

Police issued the release around 9:35 p.m. Thursday, saying there were "poor driving conditions" across the province and that they were responding to numerous collisions.

RCMP said travel is not recommended. 

Earlier in the evening, RCMP in central Alberta advised that road conditions are extremely bad, specifically in Leduc, Wetaskiwin, Camrose County, Maskwacis and Ponoka areas.

RCMP reported white out conditions with severe wind. Visibility is zero in many locations.

At 7:16 p.m., the Millet Fire Department said anyone driving on the highway was putting themselves and others in "grave danger".

"Let us be absolutely blunt. If you are on an area highway tonight, you are putting your life, and the lives of others, in GRAVE danger. It is not worth the drive, no matter where you think you should be going," the post read. 
"We have heard that the streets look clear in Leduc and Wetaskiwin, but let us assure you, the moment you hit open highway, it is treacherous and near zero visibility. 

The post was accompanied by a photo of a collision scene on Hwy 814 north of Hwy 616. They said the wind and snow "are almost too much for our responders to be standing in while we work."

The province issued an emergency alert 8:56 p.m., warning drivers of hazardous road conditions for areas northeast and south of Edmonton.

"Severe winter weather conditions for areas northeast and south of Edmonton are impacting travel. Heavy snow and strong winds are causing dangerous driving conditions with zero visibility," the alert states. 
"Area highways and roads may be closed without notice. Drivers are instructed to not travel in these areas."

They advised drivers to delay all non-essential travel until conditions improve and use extreme caution when travelling on impacted roads and highways.

If you are stranded stay with your vehicle and wait for assistance. 

 

Breaking News You Need To Know

Sign up for free account today and start receiving our exclusive newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


About the Author: Red Deer Advocate Staff

Read more