Winter storm continues to cause travel disruptions in Atlantic Canada
Nearly 60 centimetres of snow and wind gusts over 80 km/h hit parts of the Maritimes
The calendar may say that spring is just days away but for people digging out in Atlantic Canada, it still seems like the dead of winter.
Travel impacts are being seen right across Atlantic Canada after this latest snow storm.
- Storm Centre Nova Scotia
- Storm Centre Newfoundland
- Storm Centre Maritimes
- Blizzard slams into Newfoundland, roads treacherous
The Confederation Bridge remains closed completely this morning. As well, the Trans-Canada Highway from Moncton all the way to Amherst, N.S., was closed for several hours due to poor driving conditions, but it has since reopened. Sections of Highway 6 and Highway 4 in northern Nova Scotia are also closed.
At the region's largest airport, Halifax Stanfield International, there are at least a dozen cancellations this morning.
As well, Marine Atlantic has put off its crossing between Port aux Basques and North Sydney this morning. The ferry service says the return this morning may also be cancelled, however that is still uncertain at this time.
Generally, many roads, in the region are still snow covered and drivers are asked to use caution. On Sunday afternoon, 14 vehicles collided in River Ryan, Cape Breton. Several people were injured.
The storm has now moved on to Newfoundland and Labrador, with blizzard warnings stretching from the Avalon Peninsula in the east all the way to Port aux Basques on the southwest coast. As much as 40 centimetres is expected today with wind gusts up to 100 km/h.
"The disturbance responsible for our latest bout of winter weather will make an end run around the Avalon Peninsula of the island of Newfoundland overnight tonight on its way to the North Atlantic but its intensity will continue to be felt most of today in the Maritimes by the strong northwest wind left behind," says CBC meteorologist Peter Coade.
Nearly 60 centimetres falls in Sydney, N.S.
The blizzard brought nearly 60 centimetres of snow to Sydney, with wind gusts of 82 km/h recorded at the airport. Both Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the airport in Greenwood recorded more than 20 centimetres of snow with winds gusting over 60 km/h.
Charlottetown airport recorded 48 centimetres of snow with winds gusting to 87 km/h. Moncton, which has been buried several times this winter, received the most snow in New Brunswick with 44 centimetres recorded at the airport. Saint John airport recorded 36 centimetres and Gagetown recorded 32 centimetres.
Also, spring weight restrictions go into effect today for truckers driving through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The restrictions, meant to protect roads during the annual melt, are scheduled to last until early May.