Alberta RCMP warn drivers as Highway 63 and 881 remain closed
Community Safety Alert: Severe winter conditions shutting down key eastern Alberta highways
Alberta RCMP are warning the public to avoid non-essential travel on major routes in eastern Alberta as heavy snowfall and strong winds continue today and into tomorrow. Ongoing winter conditions have forced the closure of critical sections of Highway 63 and Highway 881, with authorities working to clear deep snowdrifts and assist stranded motorists.
As of this evening, roadblocks are in place at specific locations north and south of the affected area. Police, local bylaw officers, and highway crews report that approximately 300 vehicles are currently stranded in various locations along Highway 63, with snowdrifts reaching 2 to 3 feet across the roadway. Drivers are urged to delay travel, monitor official updates, and be prepared for extended disruptions. For broader context on provincial trends and public safety, see our overview of crime and safety statistics in Alberta.
Official RCMP Details on Closures and Response
According to the official update from Alberta RCMP in Edmonton, the following closures and controls are in effect for tonight due to the storm system impacting eastern Alberta:
- Highway 63 (Northbound): Northbound traffic is being stopped by Alberta Sheriffs at Wandering River. Vehicles will not be permitted to proceed further north from this point.
- Highway 63 (Southbound): Southbound traffic is being blocked by Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Bylaw officers at the junction of Highway 881. Southbound motorists will be turned around or held as required for safety.
- Highway 881 (Northbound and Southbound): Both directions remain closed north of Imperial Mills, with Lac La Biche RCMP maintaining the blockade and managing traffic.
Authorities report that along Highway 63 there are an estimated 300 stranded vehicles spread across multiple locations. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and snowdrifts measuring approximately 2 to 3 feet across the highway is significantly slowing snow removal operations.
Response efforts currently involve:
- Snowplows and road maintenance crews working continuously to clear snowdrifts and reopen lanes when safe.
- Tow trucks assisting with the removal of stuck and abandoned vehicles to restore traffic flow.
- Wood Buffalo RCMP coordinating highway safety, assisting stranded motorists, and supporting the overall response.
- Support from the HERO Foundation, which deployed an emergency helicopter for an aerial survey to help estimate the number and distribution of stranded vehicles.
If you are currently on these routes and in distress or in any life-threatening situation, contact 9-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance.
For real-time information on road closures, travel advisories, and changing conditions, residents and travellers should consult Alberta 511 before attempting to drive in the affected area. You can also monitor broader provincial alerts via our dedicated Canadian safety alerts hub.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, large-scale weather-related highway closures such as this in Alberta are critical public safety events. They can quickly escalate from travel disruptions into medical emergencies, collisions, and exposure risks, especially for families, seniors, and commercial drivers who may be stuck for long periods in extreme conditions. While this is not a crime-focused alert, it directly affects community safety, emergency response workloads, and the capacity of police and rescue services to respond to other incidents across the region.
We encourage everyone in the affected areas to postpone non-essential travel, carry a fully stocked winter emergency kit if you must drive, and ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food, water, and a way to charge your phone. Staying informed through official channels such as 511 and RCMP releases helps reduce strain on emergency services and keeps communities safer. By respecting closures and following directions from RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, and local bylaw officers, residents help minimize collisions, secondary incidents, and avoidable rescues during severe weather.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the alberta community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.