Many N.S. schools closed ahead of significant snowfall

Heavy snowfall closed libraries and municipal offices early on Wednesday.

Many schools in Nova Scotia are closed Wednesday ahead of an Alberta Clipper that will pass south and east of the province and bring significant snowfall to the region.

Weather alerts

Yellow snowfall warnings are in place across most of Nova Scotia.

Ten-to-20 cm is expected Wednesday morning until Thursday morning, though the snow won’t begin until the evening in Cape Breton.

“A low pressure system will track south of Nova Scotia today bringing snow to much of the province. Snow will begin over western Nova Scotia this morning then move eastward across the province through the day reaching eastern mainland Nova Scotia by this evening,” the warning reads.

“Snow will taper to flurries tonight over western Nova Scotia but will likely persist into Thursday over eastern Nova Scotia.”

Environment Canada says roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow and there may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic Wednesday.

Local power outages are also possible, likely due to heavy, compact snow.

Yellow snowfall warnings are now in place for Kings and Queens counties on Prince Edward Island.

Up to 20 cm is expected from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday afternoon.

“Snow will begin early this afternoon and intensify overnight. Snow will begin to taper off through the day on Thursday. Strong northwesterly winds will develop on Thursday afternoon, leading to reduced visibilities in blowing snow,” says Environment Canada.

Yellow snowfall warnings are also in place for southern New Brunswick where similar amounts are possible.

“A low pressure system tracking south of Nova Scotia today is bringing snow to southern New Brunswick. Snow will persist through the day before tapering to flurries overnight tonight. The highest amounts are expected to be along the Fundy coast,” the warning reads.

School closures

In Nova Scotia, many schools are closed due to the forecast and anticipated road conditions, though there are no closures in the Halifax area, eastern regions or Cape Breton.

A few schools in New Brunswick are closed. There are no closures on P.E.I.

A full list can be found here.

Other closures

The Halifax Regional Municipality says all municipal offices are closing at 3 p.m. Most municipally-owned and operated recreation facilities will be closing at 4 p.m.

All branches and departments of Halifax Public Libraries will be closing at 3 p.m.

Travel

Marine Atlantic says it anticipates potential schedule impacts to the following Wednesday sailings due to adverse weather conditions:

• The 11:15 p.m. crossing from North Sydney, N.S., Port aux Basques, N.L.
• The 11:30 p.m. crossing from Port aux Basques to North Sydney

Saint John Transit says to expect delays due to weather and road conditions.

Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses are in effect.

Parking ban

The Halifax overnight winter parking ban will be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday in both Zone 1 – Central and Zone 2 – Non-Central, to allow crews to clear streets and sidewalks.