submitted by Joshua
FORT McMURRAY — Highway 63 has reopened after a powerful spring snowstorm shut down the main route into northeastern Alberta, stranding hundreds of motorists and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
The highway, along with Highway 881, was closed Friday after heavy snowfall and high winds created near whiteout conditions and deep drifts along the corridor. RCMP moved to shut down the roadway as conditions deteriorated and reports began coming in from drivers who were stuck or unable to proceed.
By Friday evening, an estimated 300 vehicles were stranded along a stretch of Highway 63 south of Fort McMurray, with some motorists remaining in place for more than 20 hours as crews worked to reach them and clear the route.
Emergency efforts ramped up as conditions allowed, with first responders checking vehicles and prioritizing the safety of those trapped on the highway. In some areas, helicopters were deployed to deliver fuel and supplies to stranded drivers, while ground crews worked to dig out vehicles buried in snow.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo also mobilized resources, including sending buses to transport stranded motorists back to Fort McMurray once conditions improved. The municipality contributed equipment such as graders and plows to assist in clearing operations, while food and water were distributed to those waiting along the highway.
Crews spent much of Saturday towing abandoned vehicles and clearing snowdrifts before reopening both Highway 63 and 881 later in the day. While the roads have reopened, RCMP continue to advise against non-essential travel as conditions remain poor in some areas.
The storm was not the only incident drawing police attention. Farther west, RCMP also closed a section of Highway 16 near Jasper after a rock slide blocked the roadway. The closure, approximately 12 kilometres west of the townsite, remained in place with no immediate timeline for reopening, though no injuries were reported.
Environment Canada says snowfall in the Fort McMurray region is expected to taper off, with cloudy skies and a chance of flurries continuing into the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to gradually warm in the coming days, with a return to seasonal conditions expected early next week, including highs climbing into the low teens by midweek.
Officials say the improving weather should help stabilize road conditions and support ongoing recovery efforts following the storm.
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