Wood Buffalo Storm: Stranded Drivers, Blowing Snow

0:00It's April 24th. This is Canada News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A brutal snowstorm hit the woodbuffalo region near Fort McMurray, stranding dozens of drivers and blocking Highway 63 south of the city. The highway shut down northbound from Wandering River all the way to Fort McMurray, and southbound lanes are clogged with vehicles between Highway, 881 and Mile Marker 140. Blizzard conditions kicked in Wednesday around 11 a.m., piling up snow drifts and making travel impossible. RCMP officers escorted tow trucks Friday morning through the northbound lanes to clear the mess, but massive drifts slowed them down since plows, couldn't get through. Officials say it's a significant number of rigs stuck out there, from semi trucks blocking roads to industry equipment and passenger cars sliding into ditches. Many folks switched to summer tires too early, worsening the spinouts. Locals and woodbuffalo stepped up big time, delivering supplies to stranded drivers, and

1:01even helped one with a medical issue. No serious crash is reported. Just minor bumps from ice and blowing snow, but RCMPs checking on everyone around the clock. They're warning against heading out unless you're packed with emergency gear since conditions can flip fast in Alberta. The storms from cool northwest air, clashing with a huge system over the prairies, dumping up to 30 centimeters of snow with high winds. A blowing snow advisory hit the capital region Friday, dropping visibility near zero. Things should ease up soon, with the system weakening and warmer spring temps rolling back in next week. It's a reminder that Alberta winters don't quit easy, even in late spring. Stay safe out there on those northern roads.