Residents in the Halifax Regional Municipality and various parts of Nova Scotia are facing significant challenges as they dig out from the impacts of a strong winter storm that swept through the region late Sunday night. This marks the second consecutive Monday affected by severe winter weather, forcing many to adapt to the conditions.
A yellow snowfall warning is currently in effect for central and northern Nova Scotia, along with Cape Breton, signaling that the storm system is expected to intensify again tonight. The weather forecast indicates winds gusting to over 50 km/h, which will contribute to reduced visibility across many areas, complicating the cleanup efforts.
Meteorologist Allister Aalders from 95.7 NewsRadio has reported that, unlike last week's brief weather pattern, this storm is expected to persist for several days. Snowfall is projected to continue into Tuesday morning. Aalders stated, “When you total what fell last night with what falls today and tonight and into early Tuesday, we anticipate a general 30 to 40 cm across HRM.” This significant accumulation underscores the potential impact the storm could have on local communities and infrastructure.
The accompanying winds are also a major concern with this storm system. Gusts from the North East are expected to reach upwards of 50 km/h during the day, transitioning to northerly winds tonight that will maintain similar speeds. By early Tuesday, northwesterly gusts will vary between 20 to 40 km/h, with periods hitting up to 50 km/h. These strong winds, in combination with heavy snowfall, pose risks related to safety and mobility.
The storm's impact has led to widespread cancellations across the education sector. Several Regional Centres for Education have opted to close schools for the day, including HRCE (Halifax Regional Centre for Education), Annapolis Valley, Chignecto-Central, Tri-County, and South Shore RCEs. The decision to cancel classes was made to ensure the safety of students and staff amid hazardous travel conditions.
In addition to primary and secondary schools, numerous higher education institutions have announced closures in light of the storm. Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, Mount Saint Vincent University, the Atlantic School of Theology, and all campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are closed for Monday. The collective response from both school boards and universities reflects the seriousness of the weather situation and the precautions necessary to protect the local population.
This significant winter storm continues to challenge residents as they cope with the accumulating snow and strong winds. With the forecast predicting ongoing snowfall into early Tuesday, the community is urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as conditions evolve. The weather team emphasizes the need for preparedness as residents navigate the impacts of this severe winter weather.
