80-to-100 Vehicle Pileup Shuts Highway 2 Between Airdrie and Calgary During Alberta Winter Storm

A major multi-vehicle collision involving an estimated 80 to 100 vehicles forced the closure of Highway 2 in both directions between Airdrie and Calgary on Wednesday as a powerful winter storm moved through southern Alberta. 

The incident occurred amid heavy snow, reduced visibility and treacherous driving conditions produced by a widespread winter storm that brought blowing snow and hazardous road surfaces to the region.

Provincial police responded to the scene and suspended traffic along the busy corridor, a primary link between Calgary and communities to the north. Emergency responders were engaged in clearing stranded vehicles and managing multiple collisions along the stretch of highway.

Environment Canada had issued weather alerts ahead of the storm, with blowing snow and strong winds contributing to whiteout conditions and significantly impaired visibility for drivers.

The shutdown of the highway led to widespread traffic disruption, with motorists detoured or delayed for extended periods as crews worked to restore safety and reopen the route. Officials cautioned residents about continued hazardous conditions on other provincial roads as wintry weather persisted.

In related developments, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued warnings to motorists in southern Alberta about treacherous road conditions as falling snow and strong wind gusts reduced visibility to near zero in some areas. Mounties reported numerous vehicles in ditches and advised against travel where possible as conditions deteriorated. Blowing snow advisories covered a large portion of the region with wind gusts expected to reach up to 100 kilometres per hour, further affecting highway safety.

The broader weather system also prompted expanded advisories across parts of the province, with whiteout conditions reported beyond the Calgary area and significant wind speeds forecast in some southern zones.

These factors contributed to hazardous conditions on other highways, reinforcing official warnings to motorists about the risks of travel during the ongoing storm.