Calgary Blizzard Shuts Down Highways and Flights as City Faces Severe Winter Blast

Calgary faced a powerful blizzard on December 17, 2025. The storm brought whiteout conditions and forced major roads and the airport to shut down. Emergency crews worked across the region as crashes and stalled cars increased. Officials urged people to stay home and avoid travel. The blizzard spread across southern Alberta and caused delays in schools and city services.

The storm hit fast and turned roads into dangerous zones. According to Calgary Herald and other major outlets, visibility dropped to near zero across many routes. Police and weather officials said the conditions were too risky for most drivers. The warning was simple and urgent for all residents.

Calgary Blizzard Causes Major Highway Closures

The QEII Highway closed in both directions near Airdrie after several crashes. Highway 1 east of Calgary also shut down due to snow and ice. According to updates from 511 Alberta, travel was not advised on many major routes. Short stretches of Highway 1A and areas near Banff also closed.

Police said they struggled to reach some crash sites because of drifting snow. Crews near Didsbury and Airdrie reported some of the worst conditions. Tow trucks and ambulances were busy across the region. Okotoks RCMP asked residents to avoid driving unless it was urgent.

The storm also forced closure of the Icefields Parkway for safety and avalanche control. Strong winds made travel even harder. Drivers who were already on the road faced long delays. Many had to wait inside their cars until help arrived.

Flights Suspended as Airport Faces Heavy Snow

Calgary International Airport paused all flights early in the afternoon. Visibility dropped and heavy snow covered runways. According to airport officials, teams had to stop air traffic to clear ice and snow. Extra crews were called in to speed up the work.

Passengers were told to check flight status before leaving home. Some waited inside the airport for updates. The airport expected at least one runway to reopen later in the day. But the weather kept changing, and delays continued into the evening.

Canada Post also warned of delays in mail delivery. The service said worker safety came first. Many routes were too risky for drivers. Residents were asked to expect slower service until conditions improved.

Schools Stay Open but Buses Move Slow

Schools in Calgary remained open to give students a warm place to stay. But bus delays were widespread. The Calgary Board of Education said yellow buses and Calgary Transit faced long wait times. Families were told to plan extra time for pick-up.

The board asked parents to check updates online. Many students stayed inside until conditions improved. Travel for some rural students was not possible due to closed roads.

Storm Impacts Wider Western Canada

The blizzard reached across Alberta and into parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Major weather alerts covered large areas. According to national reports like Reuters and CBC, roads near Regina and Moose Jaw also closed. Officials warned that storms could shift and strengthen through the day.

In Alberta, the impact was clear. Roads shut down. Visibility fell. Services slowed. The province faced one of its strongest storms of the winter.

The Calgary blizzard showed how fast severe weather can change daily life. The main keyword “Calgary Blizzard” defined the day as roads closed, flights stopped, and people stayed home. The city worked together to stay safe and wait out the storm.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the Calgary blizzard?

The storm developed as cold air and strong winds moved across southern Alberta. Heavy snow and drifting reduced visibility fast. The mix made travel unsafe.

Q2: Which highways closed during the storm?

The QEII, Highway 1, and parts of Highway 1A closed. Other routes near Banff and central Alberta also shut down. Officials said roads were too dangerous to stay open.

Q3: Were Calgary flights delayed?

Yes, all flights paused for a period in the afternoon. Heavy snow and low visibility stopped air traffic. Crews worked to clear runways.

Q4: Did schools close?

Schools stayed open in Calgary. But buses were slow or late. Parents were told to prepare for delays.

Q5: Did mail delivery stop?

Canada Post warned of delays. Many routes were unsafe. Worker safety was the priority.

Trusted Sources: Calgary Herald, Reuters, CBC, 511 Alberta, Environment Canada