The Manitoba RCMP says things are so bad in one area of Manitoba that even the tow trucks will no longer be going out.

Road conditions have deteriorated so badly and there are so many road closures in the Portage la Prairie area the RCMP announced Friday evening tow trucks will not respond to requests for assistance until further notice.

All hotels and motels in the city have also reportedly been filled. As a result, Portage la Prairie is opening a local activity centre into a makeshift shelter for travellers. 

"This will be a place where you can come, and have a nice, warm shelter area to relax," Director of Public Safety, Phil Carpenter, says. "We've determined all the hotel rooms are booked," he says. "So, therefore, we're going to open our emergency shelter for the City of Portage at the Herman Prior Centre."

The Trans-Canada Highway has been closed from Portage la Prairie at the junction of Highway 16 west since early Friday morning. It's expected to remain closed until Saturday morning.

The RCMP is warning drivers to be prepared if they are deciding to take the risk of travelling in the storm.

"If you must travel, please ensure you have a safety kit & cell phone."

Some areas of southern Manitoba have received over two feet of snow since Thursday.

A number of other highways throughout Manitoba are also closed tonight. You can find a full list and current highway conditions here.