Residents throughout central and eastern Nova Scotia are currently working to recover from an extensive storm that delivered the most significant snowfall the region has seen in two decades.
From Friday through Monday, Sydney Airport recorded an exceptional total of over 100 centimeters of snow, as reported by Environment Canada. Halifax Stanfield International Airport saw just over 80 centimeters, while urban areas of Halifax received 30 to 40 centimeters, and Dartmouth experienced 33 to 52 centimeters.
This unprecedented snowfall, particularly severe in eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, led the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to issue a state of emergency, advising residents to remain indoors.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement on social media Sunday evening, mentioned he had reached out to CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall and local MPs Mike Kelloway and Jaime Battiste, assuring them of the federal government’s readiness to assist. He also urged those affected by the storm to prioritize safety.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston referred to the event as “one of the most substantial snowfalls in our province’s history,” highlighting ongoing communication with emergency management and efforts to redistribute snow removal resources to the hardest-hit areas. The province is collaborating with New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to secure additional equipment and has sought federal aid.
Premier Houston called for patience and kindness as the community works towards clearing the snow, emphasizing the extensive efforts by many to manage the aftermath.
Social media posts have shown snowdrifts engulfing homes, vehicles abandoned on major roads, and residents shoveling narrow passages through the snow to navigate their properties.
Eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton reported over 80 centimeters of snow, but the situation was exacerbated by strong winds creating massive drifts, complicating clearance efforts.
The Halifax Stanfield International Airport has faced numerous flight cancellations and delays, and power outages have affected over 6,000 homes across the province.
This storm is reminiscent of a similar event nearly two decades ago, known as White Juan, which followed hurricane Juan and left up to 95 cm of snow in the Halifax region.
Nova Scotia Health announced adjustments to some non-emergency services in response to the snow and road conditions, advising the public to consult their website for updates.
The RCMP has temporarily closed its Northeast Nova detachments to in-person visits, though officers remain responsive to calls. Residents are advised to limit travel to emergencies only.
Educational institutions across several regions, including the Cape Breton-Victoria and Halifax areas, have suspended classes. Some government offices and courthouses in affected areas have also closed due to the storm.
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