Highways in southern Alberta were closed shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday due to blizzard conditions.
Emergency crews responding to a report of a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 3 west of Fort Macleod near Monarch could travel at just 30 km-h and reported zero visibility at times.
“All highways in the southern Alberta region are being closed down,” said Const. Jason Smith of the Fort Macleod RCMP. “Weather conditions of high winds and blowing snow are causing limited visibility and making the roads slippery and dangerous.”
According to Environment Canada a low pressure center moving through southern Alberta is generating heavy snow and strong northerly winds gusting to 60 km-h.
In open areas wind gusts as strong as 80 km-h can be expected.
Up to 25 centimetres of snow is possible in places in southern Alberta.
The storm is expected to continue through the day and abate overnight.
Travellers are advised to stop at the closest town and find accommodations or a safe place to park off the main roads.
“Plans are still in the works for the community centre and or the arena to be made available to those who are traveling within the area of Fort Macleod,” Smith said.
The Fort Macleod and District Community Centre opened its doors shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday to stranded travellers.
If you are stranded in your vehicle call 911 and advise of your location and emergency services will be dispatched to assist you.
If you have been in an accident police will be dispatched for injuries and to assist with getting you off the highway.
Vehicles in ditches or that have been in accidents will not be towed at this time as road conditions are not safe.
North of Fort Macleod, the Claresholm Fire Department is assisting police with picking up stranded travellers and taking them to the Claresholm Community Centre.
