Intense storm causing power outages, damage and closures in N.S.

An intense storm continues to pummel Atlantic Canada on Friday, causing damage and forcing school and business closures in the region.

As of 6:30 a.m., Nova Scotia Power was reporting more than 117,000 customers were without electricity in the province.

READ MORE: Up-to-date storm coverage as intense winter storm approaches Atlantic Canada

Halifax Regional Police say severe winds have damaged property and downed trees and power lines, so they are are asking motorists to be careful because roads may be blocked.

WATCH: A massive winter storm is making its way through the Maritimes, bringing rain, snow, ice pellets and more rain.

0:23 Powerful storm begins to brew in Halifax

All English public schools in Nova Scotia are closed on Friday, however Halifax Transit has decided to resume bus and ferry service.

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High waves and storm surges have caused flooding and damage along the Atlantic coast.

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At high tide on Thursday night, the storm surge flooded parts of Halifax’s famed waterfront boardwalk, moving a Canada 150 sign and lapping at an ice cream outlet. Water also poured into an excavation site of a massive hotel/office complex.

And 20 minutes before high tide, the surging ocean had swallowed a dock at Halifax’s Dingle Park and flooded the short causeway connecting the nearby Armdale Yacht Club to the mainland.

Marine Atlantic crossings between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia could be affected until Monday.

Spokesman Darrell Mercer says they’re watching the forecast and conditions in the gulf closely, but some captains have already indicated that crossings could be affected for several more days. He says the decision to sail is made by captains based on safety and passenger comfort.

Strong winds, which have persisted overnight into Friday, have blown off shingles and torn off at least one roof in the Halifax area.

WATCH:  Resident captures video of debris strewn across a Dartmouth road on Thursday after part of roof is torn off

0:16 Roof blown off home as powerful storm lashes Nova Scotia

“This is a very large, very intense storm,” said Darren Borgel, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. “This one will definitely be memorable for its extreme winds, especially in Nova Scotia.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is a very large, very intense storm," said Darren Borgel, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. "This one will definitely be memorable for its extreme winds, especially in Nova Scotia."

While parts of Nova Scotia were whipped by wind and rain amid temperatures well above freezing, New Brunswickers faced heavy snow that made it impossible to see across the street.

With files from The Canadian Press

For more information on how the storm continues to affect Nova Scotia, follow along with our liveblog: