Highway 63 and 881 Impassable Due to Severe Storm Conditions; Coordinated Response Underway

(Fort McMurray, AB — April 24, 2026) Highway 63 and 881 are currently impassable due to dangerous storm conditions, and motorists are being advised to avoid all unnecessary travel. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continue to urge the public not to travel on Highway 63 and 881 at this time.

“We know this has been an incredibly difficult and stressful situation for people who were stranded overnight,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “We are in contact with the Province and focused on doing everything we can locally to support the response. Even though this is outside our municipal boundary, and we were advised there were sufficient resources, we are stepping in to help residents get home safely.”

Overnight, many motorists became stranded along the highway as heavy snow, high winds, and significant drifting created hazardous conditions. In some areas, snow accumulation has reached up to two feet, leading to vehicles becoming stuck and multiple sections of the highway being blocked.

While the most impacted areas are outside the boundary of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, municipal resources have been deployed where possible to support response efforts and safely reopen the highways.

Highway 63 and 881 are provincial highways, and maintenance and plowing are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta through its contractor, Emcon Services.

A coordinated response has been underway since early this morning. Provincial crews have deployed plows and equipment, with additional municipal support assisting where possible. RCMP are working closely with towing operators and partners, including Enbridge, to access stranded vehicles using controlled entry points. Heavy wreckers and tow trucks are being escorted into affected areas, and loaders and other heavy equipment are assisting in freeing vehicles from snow drifts. Initial efforts are focused on creating a single safe path through the most impacted sections of the highway.

The Regional Emergency Coordination Centre is actively monitoring conditions and coordinating support across agencies.

While the municipality recognizes the strong willingness of residents to assist, the public is asked not to travel into affected areas, as conditions remain unsafe.

Crews continue to work actively to restore safe travel. All updates on highway conditions are available through 511 Alberta.

The RCMP are also sharing updates on their Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta Facebook page. Anyone in need of immediate assistance, should call 9-1-1.