Powerful winter storm sweeps Maritime provinces, creating treacherous conditions

Sledders stroll up a hill in blowing snow with their sleds throughout a winter storm in Halifax on Saturday, January 29, 2022

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HALIFAX - A robust winter storm swept throughout the Maritimes on Saturday, blanketing a lot of the area in heavy, blowing snow and inflicting highway closures, energy outages and widespread cancellations.

Drivers had been urged to keep away from journey amid blizzard-like circumstances, and lots of roads and highways — together with the border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — had been closed to visitors.

A flurry of closures had been introduced all through the day in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, together with universities, libraries, COVID-19 clinics and companies. Flights, ferries and public transit had been additionally delayed or cancelled on account of climate.

The changeover from snow to freezing rain with excessive winds created the proper storm for potential energy failures, retired Atmosphere Canada meteorologist Jim Abraham stated.

He stated freezing rain can stick with energy traces and tree limbs, making them heavier and extra vulnerable to breaking because the winds choose up with gusts as excessive as 100 km/h within the forecast.

“We’re seeing a number of blended precipitation,” Abraham stated.

Atmosphere Canada stated components of the Maritimes had been anticipated to obtain as much as 40 centimetres of snow, whereas extra coastal areas had been forecast to see a number of hours of freezing rain.

The area’s largest metropolis warned the clear up from the storm might take longer than traditional.

The Halifax Regional Municipality suggested residents that “resourcing challenges on account of the impacts of COVID-19” might have an effect on service requirements.

The town stated its workforce was impacted by worker exposures, provincially mandated self-isolation and testing necessities.

It stated the operation of Halifax Transit, stable waste assortment, some recreation centres and different municipal works could possibly be affected.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 29, 2022.