Spring Snowstorm Paralyzes Alberta: Hundreds Stranded, Highways Shut Down

A powerful late-April snowstorm has slammed Alberta, Canada, dumping up to 50 centimeters of snow and bringing violent winds that toppled trees, blew off roofs, and closed major highways.

Hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight, with some stuck for over 15 hours as whiteout conditions made travel impossible, particularly on highways near Fort McMurray. Emergency services and RCMP issued repeated warnings to avoid non-essential travel, and tow bans were put in place as rescue efforts continued. The storm caused widespread power outages, multiple vehicle collisions, and forced the cancellation of public events.

Despite being spring, Alberta residents are facing some of the harshest winter conditions of the year, with hazardous travel expected to persist into the weekend.