Police in Channel-Port aux Basques are asking drivers to stay off the roads on the southwest coast of Newfoundland as officers respond to multiple accidents.

The RCMP said winds are gusting in excess of 140 kilometres per hour in the Wreckhouse area.

Const. Matthew Christie told CBC News that there was a three-vehicle collision Thursday morning. No one was injured, he said, but occupants had to leave their vehicles on the road.

They were brought to safety, likely to Port aux Basques, by the provincial department of Transportation and Works.

Christie said while snow had turned to ice pellets by afternoon, winds were still high and it was too dangerous for tow trucks to be in the area.

Other vehicles had been abandoned, including a transport truck that was blown off the highway.

RCMP said power was also out in the region.