NORTH BATTLEFORD - Road conditions have deteriorated rapidly as the day has gone on across Saskatchewan.
The Blizzard of '22 has resulted in whiteout conditions due to high winds and snow across western Saskatchewan. "Travel not recommended" warnings now blanket almost the entire western portion of the province from the Battlefords-Lloydminster area all the way south to the USA border.
All highways in and out of the Battlefords, Lloydminster and Saskatoon are now under "travel not recommended" warnings, and that includes the entire stretch of highway 16 from Saskatoon to Lloydminster.
To the south, several highway closures are being reported. That includes a large portion of highway 7 between Saskatoon and the Alberta border. As well, all roads in and out of Swift Current are now closed to traffic. That includes highway 4 north and south of Swift Current, highway 1 east and west of Swift Current, and highway 32 west of the city.
For the most up to date road conditions, see Highway Hotline.
Police departments have been urging drivers to stay off the roads today if at all possible, and to decrease their speeds and increase their distances in following vehicles on the road if they are travelling. In a news release this afternoon, Saskatoon Police have advised the public of deteriorating road conditions in the city, reporting that "parts of Saskatoon are experiencing near-zero visibility conditions."
Saskatoon Police are also reporting several multi-vehicle collisions including one in the area of Claypool Dr. and Airport Dr. in Saskatoon in which more than 12 vehicles have been involved. Motorists are advised to avoid that area altogether.
