Residents dig out from under Maritimes’ first winter storm

MONCTON – Maritimers are continuing to dig themselves out after more than 30 centimetres of snow covered the region on Sunday.

In Moncton, Kelli Young and her husband had to dig out their driveway. Young said she made sure she had lots of time to clean up on Monday morning.

“I just thought ‘oh no,'” she said. “I had an appointment this morning that I cancelled last night because I knew I’d never make it.”

Along the Trans-Canada Highway bad weather conditions forced many transport trucks off the road. Near Moncton, at least one truck could be spotted on its side.

Transport truck drivers said driving in the bad weather might be tough, but it’s part of their job.

Jean-Marc Picard, the executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, said the bad conditions remind members to drive safe.

“They’ve just got to keep an eye on the weather,” he said. “It can get pretty tricky out there with the slippery roads.”

Fredericton was one of the areas hardest hit by the storm. Snow delayed school buses and made getting around difficult.

However, some people said the storm wasn’t all bad news.

Staff at Hi-Tech Power Sports, where ATVs and snowmobiles line the building, said snow is good for business.

Young said snowstorms are simply a reality people in the region must face.

“There’s no point in getting upset or frustrated,” she said. “It’s just part of living here.”