Southwestern Sask. gets worst of winter storm

Southern Saskatchewan gothit by a winter storm Monday, but Reginaescaped the worst of it.

Saskatoon also gotoff relatively easy, although the windtheregusted as high as60 kilometres per hour at times.

Meanwhile, the southwestern part of the province washit the hardest, as an intense storm system movedin from Alberta.

"Snow is right on your doorstep right now," said Danielle Fingland, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, at 7:30 Monday morning.

"Things should be deteriorating as the day progresses and definitely by this afternoon the winds should be picking up and the visibility very poor."

Even before the sun came up Monday, conditions on the west side of the province were not good for motorists.

The Highways Ministry reported that travel was not recommended around Swift Current due to reduced visibility, ice, snow and slippery sections.

Similar warnings were issued for the highways around Maple Creek. Travel was not recommended due to ice-covered conditions, swirling snow and drifting snow.

Later in the day, however,the travel-not-advised warning was removed from Swift Current.

People were beingadvised to check the Highway Hotlinebefore heading out.

Early Monday, there was a report of a semi-truck jackknifed on Highway 11 near Craik.

Tow trucks were on the scene and one southbound lane was open.

Police said the highway was cleared by 5 a.m.

Monday's incident follows a weekend of treacherous highway conditions around Saskatchewan due to ice, snow and fog.

Dozens of vehicles were in a collision near Maymont that sentsome 40 people to hospital. None of the injuries wereserious.