UPDATED: Crashes close Hwy 401 west of Woodstock

A series of crashes on the snowy Highway 401 closed a long stretch of the highway in the Woodstock, Ont., area on Wednesday.

Initial reports from the scene indicate there was a collision, followed by other crashes involving three to four passenger cars and seven tractor-trailers.

Reports say at least one person was injured.

Provincial police closed the westbound lanes of the 401 from Sweaburg Road to County Road 6.

Police say the 401 is very icy, and drivers should try to stay off the highway as snow squalls are causing reduced visibility and treacherous conditions.

Police say that since a storm began in southwestern Ontario on Sunday, there have been more than 500 collisions.

"If there is a silver lining to any of this it's that we have had no reported fatalities," Insp. Mark Wright said Wednesday.

"The number of collisions is alarming," Wright said.

"The simple fact is that people aren't slowing down and others are following too closely. There is no magic to winter driving — you simply have to drive slow," he said.

- The Canadian Press