WINNIPEG — Blowing snow and high winds made for treacherous driving conditions across southern Manitoba Thursday morning.
While snow didn’t actually fall from the sky, it was blowing from every direction from drifts, making it difficult to drive on the highways, or even see a vehicle ahead of you.
READ MORE: Extreme cold and blizzard warnings for many parts of Manitoba, including Winnipeg
Just after 10 a.m. there was minimal to zero visibility along Highway 8 and McPhillips Street. Winnipeg police said the west Perimeter Highway heading northbound was closed at McGillivray Boulevard due to whiteout conditions.
There were several crash and car piles up due to the poor conditions.
The city and RCMP officers are warning Manitobans to drive to the weather conditions and to stay off the roads unless it is necessary.
For a full list of highway and school closures, click here.
Corporal Jason Schalla with the Headingley RCMP said many drivers did not prepare for the adverse road conditions before heading out.
“A lot of people weren’t prepared for the weather. They had running shoes on, empty tanks of fuel,” said Corporal Schalla.
Schalla also gave some advice to drivers heading out on to the roads around Manitoba Thursday or any day really.
He advised drivers to have their headlights on during blizzard and storm conditions and even suggested using your hazard lights.