High winds, snow recorded after intense Alberta Clipper sweeps across province
A powerful winter storm swept across Alberta on Wednesday, dumping heavy snow and creating hazardous travel conditions. Known as an Alberta Clipper, the fast-moving system brought blizzard-like winds, leading to road closures and a surge in vehicle incidents.
The storm originated in the western foothills before moving southeast, hitting central and southern Alberta. Central regions saw the heaviest snowfall, with Banff receiving 15 cm and Edmonton International Airport recording 13 cm. Southern areas near Calgary got less snow—only 2 to 5 cm—but strong winds made conditions treacherous.
The Alberta Motor Association reported a sharp rise in roadside assistance calls, with tow truck wait times stretching far longer than usual. Blizzard-like conditions contributed to multiple crashes across the province. In response, the City of Edmonton enforced a Phase 1 parking ban to speed up snow removal. By noon on Thursday, crews had cleared about 90 per cent of priority roads. Another 2 to 4 cm of snow was forecast for Thursday, with up to 5 cm expected by Friday. This could force crews to re-plow major routes. Strong winds made accurate snow measurements difficult, leaving some totals as estimates. The Meteorological Service of Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada) issued warnings as the system moved through.
The parking ban in Edmonton is set to last five days, allowing crews to finish clearing key routes. With more snow expected, officials are preparing for possible delays and additional ploughing. The storm’s impact has already led to longer response times for stranded drivers and disrupted travel across the region.
