Saskatchewan RCMP are reporting widespread treacherous driving conditions on Monday night, with police urging motorists to stay off the highways tonight.
In a late night update, the Highways Hotline website noted Highway #37 from Shaunavon to Gull Lake had been briefly closed as a result of ice covered conditions and reduced visibilities. During the overnight hours it remained snow packed and ice covered.
The RCMP reported they had received over 100 calls for assistance between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday as a result of snow and ice build up on numerous roads.
"Drivers are urged not to travel and to stay off the highways. Several people are stranded and will be forced to spend the night along the highways in their vehicles or abandon them where they are sitting," an evening media advisory stated.
"All highways around the Regina area, as far north as Saskatoon, and across southern Saskatchewan are very dangerous."
The Highway Hotline was advising that Highway #363 from Moose Jaw to Shamrock was closed as a result of poor driving conditions.
Areas south and east of Swift Current continued to have a series of travel not recommended advisories as a result of ice and snow.
The TransCanada Highway from Swift Current east all the way to near the Manitoba border is currently under a travel not recommended advisory as a result of reduced or zero visibility conditions, along with drifting snow problems.
In an evening advisory, the RCMP advised Highway #11 from Regina to Davidson was experiencing sheer ice, with numerous stranded travelers.
Shortly after 4 p.m., Moose Jaw RCMP were attending to the scene of a semi that was blocking the eastbound lanes of the TransCanada just east of Mortlach. They also reported that blowing snow and reduced visibility had caused a number of vehicles to enter the ditch on Highway #1, Highway #2 and Highway #363 for much of the afternoon.
Individuals who have to travel tonight and into Tuesday morning are reminded to visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure Highway Hotline website http://hotline.gov.sk.ca for the most up-to-date travel conditions.
