Snowfall impacts schools, public services across Nova Scotia Wednesday

A low-pressure system that’s expected to move along the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia could bring significant snowfall to eastern parts of the province Wednesday into Thursday.

Weather alerts

A special weather statement has been issued for parts of eastern Nova Scotia.

The statement says snow is expected to start Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning. The Cape Breton Highlands could see snow continue until Thursday evening.

Snowfall amounts could be as high as 20 cm in some areas over the next 24 to 36 hours, according to Environment Canada.

" As winds strengthen on Thursday, periods of blowing snow are possible, especially over exposed areas," reads the statement.

Schools

The incoming snowfall is impacting most schools across Nova Scotia.

Many school boards have cancelled classes for the day, while others will be open during the morning, and dismissing students early.

A full list of school cancellations and dismissals can be found here.

There are no school cancellations or impacts in New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island on Wednesday.

Travel impacts

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is enforcing its overnight winter parking ban. The ban will be in place between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Thursday.

Halifax Regional Police is also reminding motorists to prepare for winter driving conditions.

“Police advise motorists to adjust their driving in light of today’s forecasted snowfall and to be mindful of the changing road conditions throughout the day,” reads a post on social media.

Laura Wright, senior public affairs officer for the HRM, said the municipality has been monitoring the forecast closely and crews have been out applying salt across the region in anticipation of the weather event.

“Crews have been clearing the snow from overnight and will continue to clear the snow as the weather progresses,” said Wright.

Halifax Transit says buses will be operating on its snow plan Wednesday, except for Route 1 which is on a partial snow plan and will continue to service Coburg Road.

Details on the snow plan can be found online.

Saint John Transit says Routes 15 south and west will not be servicing Watson or Duke streets due to road conditions. Buses will be using Ludlow Street instead.

Marine Atlantic says ferry crossings between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page