Alberta clipper brings snow, strong winds to the Maritimes

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Snowy start to the week for the Maritimes

Cold, windy start to the week in the Maritimes

Another round of snow in Cape Breton

An Alberta clipper weather system is heading east, bringing snow and strong winds to the Atlantic region on Monday.

Weather alerts

Special weather statements remain in place for eastern Nova Scotia.

Environment Canada says five to 15 cm of snow is possible, though higher amounts may fall over Cape Breton, along with wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.

The snow is expected to spread east before ending in the afternoon or evening.

“The morning commute is expected to be messy, especially over central Nova Scotia, but the highest accumulations are expected over northern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton into this afternoon,” the statement reads.

“Strong northwesterly winds will also develop this afternoon along with a drop in temperatures, bringing blowing snow at times into tonight.”

Yellow snow squall watches remain in place for Pictou and Antigonish counties and Cape Breton.

Up to 20 cm is possible in the squalls along with strong winds.

Environment Canada is warning visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times.

“Prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” the watch says.

School closures

The majority of schools in Nova Scotia are closed. Tri-County, South Shore and Halifax-area schools are open.

For the fourth school day in a row, students in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education had the day off.

“Well, I’m a teacher myself, so it’s not too bad for me luckily. But yes, I’m sure it is pretty difficult for the parents,” said Maria Peori.

A full list can be found here.

There are no school closures in New Brunswick or P.E.I.

Travel

Marine Atlantic has rescheduled the 11:45 a.m. North Sydney, N.S., to Port aux Basques, N.L., crossing to 9 a.m.

It has also cancelled the following crossings:

• The 11:15 p.m. North Sydney to Port aux Basques crossing
• The 11:30 p.m. Port aux Basques to North Sydney crossing

Bay Ferries has adjusted one sailing time due to wind and tide conditions.

The 9 a.m. Saint John, N.B., departure will now leave for Digby, N.S., at 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, Northumberland Ferries has cancelled the following sailings for Monday:

• The 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. sailings from Wood Islands, P.E.I.
• The 11:45 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. sailings from Caribou, N.S.

Saint John parking ban

Saint John, N.B., has declared a temporary overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula.

The ban will be in place from 11 p.m. Monday through to 7 a.m. Tuesday.

No on-street parking will be allowed anywhere in that area during that time.

The city is warning that any vehicles remaining will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s risk and expense.

The following lots will be cleared for use by on-street parking residents beginning at 6 p.m. Monday:

• Vulcan Street
• Peters Street
• Sydney Street (Service New Brunswick)

CBRM offices closing

Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) said city hall, municipal offices, and police headquarters will be closing beginning at noon due to deteriorating weather conditions.

Transit Cape Breton will also be suspending all routes, including Access-a-Bus, by 2 p.m.

Last runs will be done at 1 p.m.

The winter parking ban is in effect in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality so city crews can deal with the snow.

“The main message from the municipality today is to keep your vehicles off the streets so the winter plows can do their jobs and clear the streets. It’s for safety, for the passage of emergency vehicles and everything we do in winter weather,” said Christina Lamey, with CBRM.

Health PEI closure

Health PEI says the unaffiliated prenatal/well-baby clinic at 15 Brackley Point Rd. in Charlottetown is closing at noon and all appointments will be rescheduled.