Highway 63 Reopens After Snowstorm Strands Hundreds of Motorists in Northern Alberta Highway 63, the primary route connecting Edmonton to Fort McMurray, reopened on Saturday following a severe spring snowstorm that left hundreds of drivers stranded overnight. The storm, which brought heavy snow and strong winds to northeastern Alberta on Thursday and Friday, caused multiple crashes and forced the closure of both directions of the highway between Marianna Lake and Fort McMurray, as well as northbound from Wandering River. According to Environment Canada, snowfall totals reached 30 to 50 centimetres in the Wood Buffalo and Lac La Biche areas, contributing to icy road conditions and near-zero visibility. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) advised against travel in several parts of the province due to hazardous conditions. Motorists reported being stuck for extended periods, with some stranded for more than 15 hours. Lance Kane, who departed Edmonton for Fort McMurray around 3 p.m. On Thursday, said he was halted in traffic approximately 100 kilometres south of Fort McMurray just before 7:30 p.m. And remained stationary until the highway reopened. He described using items from his suitcase to create a makeshift blanket to stay warm even as awaiting assistance. Emergency services, including tow trucks escorted by police, were deployed to reach stranded vehicles. Judith Iwaszkiw, an emergency services professional from Fort McMurray, noted that while she is accustomed to driving in Alberta’s unpredictable winter weather, the conditions on Friday were exceptionally severe. Local residents and stranded motorists criticized the response time of provincial authorities, local government, and the RCMP, stating that aid arrived too late for many who had spent the night in their vehicles. The province acknowledged that the storm’s intensity caught officials off guard. Highway 63 and the adjacent Highway 881 were reopened Saturday morning after crews cleared the roadways and verified safe passage. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge drivers to check road reports before traveling through the region during adverse weather.
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