Blowing snow and deteriorating visibility contributed to dangerous travel conditions Thursday, forcing the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway just east of Brandon following a series of serious collisions. The incidents occurred during a blowing snow advisory that swept across parts of western Manitoba, creating near whiteout conditions in open areas along the highway corridor. Emergency crews responded to multiple crashes in the area as visibility dropped and vehicles struggled to navigate icy pavement and drifting snow. The highway was closed at 5:54 p.m. Traffic was halted for a time while first responders worked to assess injuries, clear damaged vehicles, and restore safe driving conditions along the busy route. Photos shared on social media showed several vehicles involved in the collisions and emergency responders working amid blowing snow along the roadside. Witnesses described chaotic conditions on the highway, with drivers suddenly encountering extremely poor visibility and rapidly slowing traffic. Authorities urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the advisory and reminded drivers that blowing snow can create sudden whiteout conditions, particularly on exposed stretches of highway common across western Manitoba. The Trans Canada Highway was later reopened at 9:45 p.m. once emergency crews completed their work and conditions improved, though officials continued to warn drivers to proceed cautiously as winter weather persisted across the region.