The Alberta RCMP are advising the public to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. On Friday, March 28, 2025, police reported that road conditions were posing significant hazards across the province, including in central Alberta. According to Alberta 511, several highways throughout the region were either completely or partly covered in snow with icy sections.
By Friday afternoon, parts of Edmonton had already received more than 20 cm of snow, according to unofficial city reports. The Edmonton collision reporting centres noted that 36 vehicles were towed on Thursday, March 27, and a total of 184 people reported a crash, including 44 who reported a serious crash. The RCMP indicated that officers in multiple regions responded to a total of 147 crashes.
Fortunately, despite the chaos on the roads, there were no fatalities reported from the nearly 150 motor vehicle collisions that occurred on Thursday in RCMP jurisdictions across Alberta. The police reminded drivers to ensure all windows, side mirrors, and lights were properly cleared of snow and ice, and encouraged them to turn on their lights for visibility.
As the winter weather continued, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) announced that a large section of Whitemud Drive was closed in all directions between the Quesnell Bridge and Gateway Boulevard due to multiple collisions. This closure was part of a broader response to the poor driving conditions caused by the heavy snowfall.
At 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, EPS also reported that 23rd Avenue was closed in all directions between Rabbit Hill Road and 119th Street due to similar circumstances. A snowfall warning was in effect for Edmonton, with predictions that some areas might see up to 30 centimeters of snow by Friday morning.
The Alberta RCMP reiterated their warning to motorists, stating, "as weather and road conditions pose a significant hazard throughout the province." A tow ban was also put in place within the Leduc area, south of Edmonton, around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.
As the situation developed, the RCMP and local authorities urged residents to remain cautious and consider their travel plans carefully. Drivers were advised to pack blankets or a winter survival kit, especially if they planned on traveling outside of town. The authorities also recommended checking local radio or the 511 Alberta website for the latest road and weather reports.
By Friday morning, the snowfall was expected to taper off slowly, but the damage had already been done. The combination of heavy snow and icy conditions created treacherous driving situations, leading to a significant number of accidents and road closures.
As Alberta continues to experience unpredictable weather patterns, the community is reminded of the importance of safety and preparedness during winter storms. The Alberta RCMP and EPS are working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all road users.
In summary, the heavy snow and hazardous road conditions in Alberta have led to numerous vehicle collisions, road closures, and a public safety warning from the RCMP. The authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and to take precautions if travel is unavoidable.
