The strong, gusting winds that moved through the province Thursday wreaked havoc on Saskatchewan’s highways, especially those in the Regina-Fort Qu’Appelle region. 

RCMP Spokeswoman Mandy Maier says between 6:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. on Friday, there were 44 collisions and 28 reported traffic hazards. These calls included incidents like vehicles in the ditch and jackknifed semis.

“We spoke to an RCMP officer who is on duty just on the outskirts of Regina. They’re experiencing low visibility. He talked about the fact that there are motorists who are hitting snow drifts and then going into the ditch…obviously produced by the high winds that we’re seeing.”

However, even before the wind began to roar, RCMP were called to a fatal collision on Highway 10 new Fort Qu’Appelle involving a propane tanker.  

“Cleanup of that collision site is complete, but it did take some time…Because it was sadly a fatal collision, we still have to get our collision reconstructionist to conduct their investigation.”

 She adds that despite the current blue sky, the poor conditions continue in the Regina region. RCMP advise motorists in the Regina region to stay off the roads, especially roads that have been closed. Maier says there has been a real problem with people disobeying road signs and subsequently getting suck.  

She says the highway that will likely be closed for the longest period is #46, which is the scene of a multiple vehicle pile-up. 

If you must travel, Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways says it is crucial to check the Highway Hotline before you head out.