On Wednesday, a powerful winter storm struck Nova Scotia, bringing significant snowfall and strong winds. The inclement weather resulted in school and road closures and left thousands without power.
Impact of the Winter Storm in Nova Scotia
The storm, characterized by blizzard-like conditions, primarily affected the northern regions of the province. It severely disrupted traffic along Highway 104, especially between Masstown and Oxford.
Traffic Disruptions
In the early hours, a jackknifed 18-wheeler caused significant delays near the Cobequid Pass toll station. Kyle Hollingsworth, a supervisor with the towing company Heavy Rescue 104, reported that this accident blocked several lanes, leading to extensive traffic backlogs.
- The incident occurred around 4 a.m.
- Heavy Rescue 104 was on the scene since early Tuesday evening.
- The crew utilized heavy-duty tow trucks to clear the wreckage and assist other stranded vehicles.
Hollingsworth noted the predictability of such incidents, remarking that many drivers still have summer tires installed, despite the winter season arriving in December.
Weather Warnings and Expectations
Environment Canada issued yellow warnings for northern areas, forecasting up to 30 centimeters of snow. In contrast, northern Cape Breton could see as much as 50 centimeters. Additionally, the Atlantic coast could face up to 45 millimeters of rainfall accompanied by wind gusts reaching 80 kilometers per hour.
Power Outages and School Closures
As the storm progressed, it led to various school cancellations across the affected regions. By Wednesday evening, over 5,500 customers of Nova Scotia Power were without electricity.
This winter storm exemplifies the challenges of maintaining travel safety and electrical service amidst severe weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to prepare adequately for winter travel to mitigate risks during similar future events.
