Power Outages in Alberta
A fast-moving winter storm has led to widespread power outages across Alberta, with Fortis Alberta reporting significant disruptions. As of March 8, 2026, at the height of the outages, approximately 8,000 residents were without power, a number that has since decreased to around 2,000.
The storm has brought strong winds and heavy snow, resulting in downed power lines and damage to infrastructure. Wind gusts have reached between 90 and 110 km/h, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue wind warnings for major areas, including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.
In Edmonton alone, nearly 2,000 customers in specific neighborhoods have been affected by the outages. Residents are advised to stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and to avoid any damaged electrical equipment, as emphasized by Fortis Alberta’s spokesperson Tanya Croft.
In addition to the challenges faced in Alberta, BC Hydro has reported about 1,900 customers without power in British Columbia due to similar weather conditions. The storm’s impact has been felt across the region, with damaging winds and potential snowfall of up to 20 cm forecasted for southern Alberta, including Calgary and surrounding areas.
Environment Canada has warned residents about the risks associated with the high winds, stating that local utility outages are possible and that high-sided vehicles may be pushed around by the wind. They also cautioned that damage to roofs, fences, and trees is likely, urging residents to secure loose objects.
The weather warnings for Alberta are expected to end by Monday morning following the storm, but the aftermath of the severe weather continues to affect residents and utility services. Fortis Alberta and other companies are actively working to restore power and address the damage caused by the storm.
As the situation develops, officials are monitoring the conditions closely, and further updates will be provided as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and heed safety advisories during this challenging weather event.
