Numerous highways were closed and dozens of drivers were stranded in Saskatchewan as strong winds and blowing snow made roads treacherous.
The Trans-Canada Highway was closed from Regina to Mortlach, west of Moose Jaw, due to icy conditions, snowdrifts and reduced visibility. Highway 46 was closed northeast of Regina after several vehicles became stuck or stranded.
Police say motorists were also stranded on Highway 17 north of Lloydminster on the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary. Traffic in both directions was at a standstill because of a snowdrift 100 metres long and more than half a metre deep.
Highway crews were attempting to remove the drift, but it was expected that blowing snow would just drift over the road again.
Other highways were closed around Regina, Moose Jaw, Kindersley, Outlook, Saskatoon and North Battleford, and travel was not recommended on many other roads.
Blowing snow warnings were issued across much of western Saskatchewan and in southeastern parts of the province.
Environment Canada says winds gusting up to 70 kilometres an hour and snow have reduced visibility to near zero in some areas of southern Saskatchewan. Several centimetres of snow is expected to fall overnight and into Friday.
RCMP say they have received 150 reports of crashes, jackknifed semi-trailers and vehicles that were stuck or in the ditch since Wednesday night. Mounties were advising people to stay off the roads if possible.
With files from The Canadian Press
