As heavy snowfall covers the majority of Nova Scotia, some businesses, schools and municipal operations are being closed or delayed for the day.
Here’s what’s closed on Tuesday.
Nova Scotia schools
The following school boards in the province have decided to close their schools on Tuesday:
- Halifax Regional Centre for Education
- Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education
- Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education
- Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education
- South Shore Regional Centre for Education
- Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
- Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial
Some post-secondary institutions have also decided to suspend both in-person and online classes on Tuesday, including Dalhousie University, University of King’s College, Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University and NSCC.
Halifax storm notices
A majority of Halifax Transit bus routes are now operating on the “snow plan.” Details on each route’s snow plan are available here.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is also asking residents scheduled for curbside garbage, organics and recyclables collection to not place materials outside, as collection services have been cancelled due to the storm. Collection services have been rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 6.
Halifax Regional Police is also reminding motorists to prepare for winter driving conditions: allow extra time for your commute and brush off your entire vehicle.
“Winter driving conditions can vary dramatically in our region and require the driver’s full attention,” wrote Const. John MacLeod in a news release.
“Road conditions often warrant a significantly slower speed than what is posted. When the roads are slippery, a vehicle’s stopping distance increases so allow extra space between you and the road user ahead. When approaching a red light or stop sign, begin stopping earlier to help prevent sliding into the intersection.”
To allow for snow removal, a parking ban for the city is in effect on Tuesday, from 1 – 6 a.m.
Malls and libraries in the municipality have announced changes to their operations on Tuesday.
Halifax Public Libraries tweeted early morning that the opening of all of its branches will be delayed until noon.
Dartmouth Crossing said its stores will open at their own discretion on Tuesday.
Other closure notices
The Canadian Red Cross Nova Scotia announced it will delay opening of all of its branches until noon due to road conditions.
In addition, the Tancook Island ferry service is suspended for the day.
The Nova Scotia Fundy Geological Museum will also be closed Tuesday.
Environment Canada has issued a number of weather warnings for the Atlantic region, as snow, rain, ice pellets and strong winds are expected Tuesday into Wednesday.
All of Nova Scotia is under a rainfall warning, with anywhere from 25 to 80 millimetres expected to fall — the highest amounts expected along the coast. Wind warnings are also up for central and southern parts of the province, where damaging gusts could reach up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Ahead of the storm, Nova Scotia Power activated its Emergency Operations Centre Monday.
“Based on the current track, this winter storm has the potential to result in power outages across the province,” said Matt Drover, Nova Scotia Power’s Storm Lead.
“Crews will begin restoring power as soon as conditions are safe. We encourage people to monitor their local weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.”