Winds starting to wane on P.E.I. but roads still dangerous from blowing snow

RCMP on P.E.I. are warning drivers to be extra cautious as strong winds and blowing snow continue to create hazardous road conditions across the Island.

"Clean off all snow and ice from your vehicle, turn on headlights — don't rely on daytime running lights, and advise others of your travel plans," RCMP advised in a social media post.

"If you have a longer journey, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, flashlight and to make sure your cell phone is fully charged."

Summerside police were also warning drivers about whiteout conditions in multiple areas across the city, particularly on the west side. Drivers were being advised to avoid Water Street West from Central Street to Notre Dame, where strong winds were significantly reducing visibility.

CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland said Tuesday afternoon that blowing snow was still a concern, although Environment Canada had ended its wind warnings by midday.

"Even though the wind continues to ease significantly, a 25-50+ km/h westerly wind persists tonight, and Wednesday's 20-40 km/h westerly wind is enough to impact visibility, especially for coastal and rural areas," Scotland said.

"This is still a huge improvement compared to last night and this morning, though."

Accidents abound

RCMP said they had responded to 14 vehicle collisions across the province between Monday noon and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Many involved multiple vehicles, but no serious injuries were reported.

Route 22, the Union Road in eastern P.E.I., was closed for a time between Georgetown Rd. (Route 3) and the Victoria Cross roundabout due to a multi-vehicle accident, RCMP say.

While no major injuries were reported, the road was closed to allow emergency and tow vehicles to work. Drivers were asked to avoid the area or follow detours.

Two crashes occurred on the Hillsborough Bridge connecting Charlottetown and Stratford late Monday — one involving four vehicles and another involving two. Police say blowing snow and poor visibility were likely factors in both.

Apart from crashes, there have been many reports on social media of people becoming stuck in their vehicles and needing to be towed or dug out. 

Widespread closures

All schools on P.E.I., as well as UPEI, Holland College, Collège de l'Île and Study Abroad Canada, were closed for the day.

Island Montessori Academy and Académie d'exploration Évangéline also closed.

All provincial civil service offices and Service Canada Centres on P.E.I. also stayed shut for the day.

City hall and administrative offices in both Charlottetown and Summerside also closed, and Summerside postponed its scheduled Tuesday night planning and council meetings until Wednesday.

At 2:30 p.m., the City of Charlottetown announced that the Simmons Sports Centre and Cody Banks Arena would stay closed for the rest of the day.

Health services, travel disrupted

A number of health services across P.E.I. either delayed their openings or cancelled in-person appointments due to the weather. Islanders are encouraged to visit the Health P.E.I. website for the latest updates.

The Confederation Bridge was not allowing some vehicle types Monday evening and Friday morning due to the extremely stong winds. These included automobiles towing trailers, motorcycles, and high-sided vehicles including trucks, tractor trailers, recreational vehicles and buses.

T3 Transit said all rural transit routes had been cancelled but city routes 1, 2, 3 and 23 were running on their regular schedules. All other city transit routes, including those serving Stratford and Cornwall, were to begin service at noon.

The Charlottetown Airport's first flight of the day with service to Toronto was cancelled, and other flights during the day were delayed in arriving or departing. People were being advised to check the airport's site before heading to the facility.

Island Waste Management Corporation cancelled all garbage collections Island-wide due to the weather. There will be no alternate collection day.