P.E.I. storm left roads snow-covered, forced school closures

The first snowstorm of 2016 hit P.E.I. on Wednesday, forcing the closure of schools across the province and leaving Island roads in hazardous condition.

Blowing snow caused poor visibility on many Island roads, prompting police to warn motorists to stay off the roads until the storm passed.

• Get the latest on travel and closures from the CBC P.E.I. Storm Centre

By 4 p.m AT, Environment Canada had cancelled winter storm warnings in the region, but wind warnings remained in effect. Winds are expected to gust between 90 and 120 km/h this evening.

"High winds may cause downed trees or toss loose objects," Environment Canada warned. "Store or anchor objects so they are not tossed by the wind causing injury or damage. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds."

Transportation officials say the western part of the province didn't have a break in weather Wednesday afternoon, so roads in that region aren't as clear.

Canada Post officials said conditions were too dangerous for mail carriers in Summerside and Charlottetown to head out on Wednesday.

Travel delayed

The entire province was under an Environment Canada winter storm warning for much of the day, with the agency forecasting as much as 15 to 20 centimetres of snow.

The agency warned motorists to postpone non-essential travel, and officials in Summerside asked residents to stay off city streets as conditions and visibility were poor.

The Island remained under an Environment Canada storm surge warning Wednesday evening.

"A storm surge ... will combine with the high tide late this afternoon and evening to give elevated water levels to the western and northern coastlines of the island. Additionally rough and pounding surf is expected as a result of the strong winds associated with the system," Environment Canada warns.

"High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast. Coastal flooding is possible along the shoreline."

Schools, flights cancelled

Both the English and French language school boards cancelled school throughout the Island. Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island were also closed for the day.

All provincial government offices were also closed, as was the Veterans Affairs office in Charlottetown.

The first three flights out of the Charlottetown Airport were cancelled and several others delayed, but flights were on schedule by Wednesday evening.

Confederation Bridge officials had warned that high winds could cause restrictions, but the bridge remained open throughout the day.

Maritime Electric didn't report any power outages.

Island Waste Management Corporation cancelled waste pickup, and Health PEI advised Islanders to call ahead to confirm any appointments at hospitals, clinics or other health care services before heading out.

CBC meterologist Peter Coade said P.E.I. could expect another "significant" snowstorm late Saturday into Sunday.

What does the storm look like where you are? Send us photos of your snow day through a direct message on the CBC Prince Edward Island Facebook page, tag us on Instagram @CBCPEI, tweet us @CBCPEI or submit to the Compass Photo of the Day.