Edmonton region hit by freezing rain again
For the second time in two weeks, Edmontonians and residents of the capital region woke up to icy roads and walkways after a bout of freezing rain.
A weather alert from Environment and Climate Change Canada was in effect as far north as Slave Lake and as far south as Red Deer and Stettler, and also included several municipal districts west and east of Alberta's capital city. CTV News Edmonton's chief meteorologist Josh Classen said highways from Whitecourt and Athabasca south to Red Deer and east to the Saskatchewan border were hit with freezing rain and/or wet snow.
The government weather department warned the rain and sub-zero temperatures could result in icy highways, roads and sidewalks.
Multiple collisions were reported in and around Edmonton. Ice caused three semis to slide into each other and jackknife on Highway 16 at Range Road 210, near Fort Saskatchewan, prompting a road closure in the area. No one was hurt in the incident. The area was closed to traffic until noon.
Freezing rain alerts were issued for Edmonton and surrounding areas early in the morning of Dec. 8, 2021.
Another transport truck jackknifed on westbound Whitemud Drive near 170 Street in Edmonton. Altogether, city police received calls about 20 collisions – none resulting in injuries – between midnight and 9 a.m.
"If you can stay off highways in central and north-central Alberta, that's the safest bet this morning," Classen advised.
He added: "Some roads in the city of Edmonton are more wet and slushy, rather than hard ice. But, it may be tough to tell as other roads have glare ice that appears wet. As always, give yourself some extra time on the roads and some extra stopping time between you and the vehicle in front of you."
A transport truck jackknifed on westbound Whitemud Drive near 170 Street in Edmonton the morning of Dec. 8, 2021, after a bout of freezing rain. Altogether, city police received calls about 20 collisions – none resulting in injuries – between midnight and 9 a.m.
Classen expects the freezing rain to end by mid morning, as wind starts to pick up and polish surfaces. While no precipitation is forecast for the afternoon or evening, roads will likely still be very icy.
Emergency responders received 18 fall-related calls in the capital region – "definitely above average" for a winter morning, an Alberta Health Services spokesperson said.
The capital region saw a bout of dangerous freezing rain two weeks ago. Three people were killed in crashes on highways outside the city, and dozens of less serious incidents were reported to police.
SCHOOLS CANCEL BUS SERVICE
Several school divisions cancelled bus service Wednesday morning. This is an incomplete list and will be updated as CTV News receives new information:
- Elk Island Public Schools
- Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
- Wolf Creek Public Schools
- Parkland School Division
As well, St. Albert's transit service was temporarily suspended. It resumed shortly after noon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.