Alberta RCMP have issued a tow ban on a section of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Edmonton and just north of Red Deer.
In a news release Tuesday, police said the tow ban applies to the QE II from Edmonton southbound to an area just north of Red Deer. Mounties said blowing and drifting snow is reducing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions, making tow operations “too dangerous.” Police added they are responding to several minor collisions in the area.
Motorists are being asked to avoid travel in that corridor until conditions improve.
The tow ban does not include the QE II south of Red Deer toward Airdrie and Calgary.
However, road conditions in the Airdrie region remain hazardous.
According to 511 Alberta, as of 11:49 a.m. Tuesday, Highway 2 from the Calgary city limits to north of the Highway 2A junction is partly covered with snow. Reported conditions include shoulder ice and snow, snowing, strong wind, drifting snow, icy sections, blowing snow, black ice, slippery sections and icy wheel paths. Visibility is listed as fair.
On Highway 2A from Township Road 292 to the junction with Highway 582, the roadway is also partly covered with snow. Secondary conditions include shoulder ice and snow, snowing, strong wind, drifting snow, icy sections, blowing snow, zero visibility in areas, slippery sections and icy wheel paths. Visibility is reported as poor.
Earlier Tuesday, Alberta RCMP urged Albertans to delay non-essential travel, including in the Airdrie region, as heavy snow and strong winds create hazardous driving conditions across much of the province. Police said road surfaces may be extremely slippery and visibility reduced.
A winter storm warning that had been in effect for Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield ended Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Environment Canada earlier forecast snow at times heavy with blowing snow Tuesday, with 10 to 15 centimetres expected and north winds at 30 km/h gusting to 60. Temperatures were expected to fall to –19 C in the afternoon, with wind chills near –30 and a risk of frostbite.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.