RCMP are urging drivers to slow down or avoid driving as they deal with several collisions across Alberta on Saturday.
Cpl. Laurel Scott told CBC News that road conditions are treacherous across much of the province.
“We have poor road conditions, icy conditions, some black ice, sometimes some blowing snow,” she said.
One collision, on Highway 43 near Fox Creek, some 265 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, involved 17 vehicles, RCMP said in a press release.
As of 4 p.m., Highway 43 was down to one lane through the area.
Highway 43 near Fox Creek, 265 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, was closed earlier Saturday before one lane was opened later in the day. (Kathy M. Wilson)
Scott urged people to defer travel if possible until conditions improve.
“I know it’s hard on people, they want to get somewhere for Christmas,” she said.
“If you are going to travel, then please travel very slowly and be prepared for maybe a long travel day, don’t be impatient and just take your time.”
Conditions on Highway 2 between Airdrie and Innisfail were particularly icy as well, she said.
“Sheer ice — there are vehicles going into the ditch on that stretch of Highway 2.”
Scott said she didn’t have information on injuries as RCMP members in the field were busy dealing with collisions and didn’t yet have time to report.