(Miller Fire Department on X)

By Ian Gustafson

red deer hits 100 km/h

Blizzard conditions in central Alberta led to collisions and power outages

Jan 17, 2025 | 9:59 AM

An Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)-issued wind warning and blowing snow advisory yesterday in central Alberta later developed into a blizzard that wreaked havoc across the province.

Alberta RCMP reported Thursday evening they had responded to multiple collisions because of extremely poor road conditions. They advised the public to stay off the road unless absolutely necessary.

From 12 p.m. on Jan. 16, to 8 a.m. on Jan. 17, the RCMP reported 71 collisions, which led to three injuries. A total of 149 collisions were reported across the province and police say that number will continue to grow over the next couple days as reports continue to come in.

“RCMP is stressing that when it is advised to not travel, please take this advice,” as was stated in the release. “You are not only putting your own life at risk, but also risking other lives, including all first responders. Please drive responsibly and safely.”

According to ECCC, winds reached 100 kilometres per hour in Red Deer combined with falling and blowing snow that made for poor visibility.

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In a post on X shortly after 7 p.m. last night by the Miller Fire Department, they said by driving on the highways, the public was not only putting themselves in danger but the rest of the community.

“Let us be absolutely blunt,” they stated.

“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. It may look clear on town streets, but the open road is a whiteout.”

Winds tapered off Friday morning, and according to Alberta 511, roads and highways across central Alberta continue to be partly covered with ice and snow.

The City of Red Deer also reported multiple power outages including one that affected a large area of the city’s north, around 32nd Street and east of Gaetz Avenue. Power reportedly went out around 7:30 p.m. and was restored by 9:15 p.m. Dean Walker, Senior Utilities Superintendent, said about 30 residential and 20 commercial customers were impacted, and that the outage was caused by a piece of equipment that broke due to the high winds.

There was also a power outage affecting part of Westlake, Cronquist Drive, and nearby areas because of a fallen tree on a power line. Walker said power was restored after 10:30 p.m. and the outage impacted 235 residential and five commercial customers.

“The city does have an annual tree trim program that we are conducting right now,” said Walker. “This was a customer tree that was a good distance from the line that blew over.”

Walker added that if residents see a power issue, they should report it. He also reminds that you should not approach downed power lines, or trees that have fallen onto them.

Elsewhere around the province, winds (in km/h) hit 109 in Waterton, 103 in Cereal and Travers, 102 in Carway, and 100 in High Level and Pincher Creek.

Edmonton International Airport also saw 83 km/h wind.

Cold Lake also got 10 cm of snow.

If you have photos or video from the storm you’d like to share, please send to news@rdnewsnow.com.