Icy Saskatoon streets lead to spike in collisions

WATCH: Saskatoon police spent Friday responding to dozens of collisions on snowy, icy roads.

Saskatoon police spent Friday responding to dozens of collisions on snowy, icy roads.

In an advisory Friday afternoon, police said they had responded to 35 crashes since 8 a.m., with more calls continuing to come in.

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Drivers are being urged to slow down, clear snow and ice from vehicles, increase following distance and give themselves extra time to reach their destination.

Saskatoon Fire Department says crews rescued a semi driver after the truck went off the Highway 7 rail overpass west of the city around 2:30 p.m.

The driver was not hurt, but eastbound lanes were closed and westbound traffic was reduced to one lane.

The city has declared a snow event after it says more than five centimetres fell.

According to the city, 28 graders and eight plows are clearing priority streets, while 16 sanding and salting trucks work to improve traction.

Environment Canada says temperatures will fall to –10 C this afternoon with a wind chill near –18. Tonight’s low is expected to hit –19 C with a wind chill of –26.