Snow squall warnings continue across parts of Nova Scotia as colder air moves in, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and risky driving conditions. CTV
Snow squall warnings remained in effect across parts of Nova Scotia Tuesday morning as colder air returned to the region. Weather officials warned residents to prepare for fast-changing conditions and difficult travel.
Yellow snow squall watches covered Annapolis, Kings, Hants, Colchester, and Cumberland counties. Forecasters said heavy flurries and sudden snow squalls could develop from Tuesday morning through late Wednesday.
Some areas could receive up to 20 centimetres of snow, along with wind gusts reaching 50 to 60 kilometres per hour.
“As colder air floods into the region later today and tonight, these flurries have the potential to become intense localized snow squalls,” Environment Canada said.
“Prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.”
No weather alerts were in place for New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island as of late morning.
Ferry Crossings Cancelled
Rough weather forced ferry operators to cancel several crossings on Tuesday. Marine Atlantic cancelled three sailings between Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, and North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The cancelled trips included the late morning sailing from Port aux Basques and two overnight crossings.
“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen this month is just storm system after storm system after storm system,” said Darrell Mercer, communications manager for Marine Atlantic. “And in the long range forecast, we’re seeing another system moving in later this week.”
“Mother Nature has wreaked havoc this December,” he added.
Bay Ferries also cancelled two Fundy Rose sailings. The morning departure from Saint John, New Brunswick, and the afternoon trip from Digby, Nova Scotia, did not operate due to forecasted conditions.
Airport Reopens After Weather Shutdown
Air travel also faced challenges. Halifax Stanfield International Airport reopened its airfield early Tuesday after freezing rain forced a suspension of flights late Monday.
Airport officials warned travellers to expect delays.
“Please note, it may take time for airline scheduled operations to normalize,” the airport said. “Please check your flight status directly with your airline before coming to the airport.”
Power Outages and Road Conditions
Weather-related power outages affected parts of the region. More than 2,000 customers in New Brunswick remained without electricity by late afternoon. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island reported no major outages at that time.
A power outage that affected Lower Sackville, Windsor Junction, and parts of Waverley and Bedford on Monday evening has since been restored.
Dozens of Collisions Reported
Icy roads led to a sharp rise in crashes across Nova Scotia. Between Monday morning and Tuesday mid-morning, the Nova Scotia RCMP responded to dozens of vehicle collisions.
“Due to the freezing rain and the conditions, we were told, I think, that there were 93 different collisions across the province,” said Cpl. Michael Francis of Nova Scotia-Northeast Traffic Services.
He said rutted highways filled with icy water created dangerous driving conditions in many areas.
Officials continued to urge drivers to slow down, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay alert as winter weather remained active across the region.
