Second wave of snow causing more cancelations across Nova Scotia

A snow plough works to clear roads in Bridgewater, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor (2021)

Another blast of snow rolled into Nova Scotia overnight, prompting widespread cancellations, delayed openings, and continued travel challenges across the province.

All regional education centres cancelled classes, along with the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) and several private schools in Halifax, including Sacred Heart, Halifax Grammar and Armbrae Academy.

Universities and colleges are adjusting schedules. Dalhousie University’s Halifax and Truro campuses and the University of King’s College are delaying opening until noon. Acadia University will open at 12:30 p.m., Mount Saint Vincent University at noon, and St. Francis Xavier University at 11:30 a.m. Saint Mary’s University is closed for the day. NSCC has closed multiple campuses, with others delaying opening.

The province remains under yellow weather warnings. Environment Canada expects snowfall to taper off through the morning, with only two to five centimetres left to fall. Strong winds are blowing snow and reducing visibility on highways and in open areas.

Travel

Travel is still being affected. A handful of flights are delayed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and passengers are being encouraged to check flight status before heading out. Halifax also issued 507 parking tickets during the overnight parking ban from Sunday into Monday, and more bans are expected as cleanup continues.

The Halifax Regional Municipality says snow crews remain focused on clearing Priority 1 routes, including main arterials, emergency corridors and Halifax Transit routes. Work is also underway on Priority 2 residential streets and gravel roads.

Residents are being asked to avoid non-essential travel while cleanup continues to allow crews to work safely and efficiently.

The overnight parking ban remains in effect for both Central and Non-Central zones from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. to support snow clearing. More information is available on the municipality’s snow clearing page.

Municipal offices are delaying opening until 10 a.m. today. Essential services, Halifax Transit and 311 remain operational, and employees who can work from home are being asked to do so. The in-person Regional Council meeting scheduled for today will proceed as planned.

Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses are expected to remain in effect, and passengers should expect delays. Access-a-Bus trips are also expected to be delayed. Ferry service continues, aside from the existing 30-minute service disruption on the Alderney route.

TUESDAY JANUARY 27 — CLOSURES & CANCELLATIONS

Schools

HRCE — all schools closed; offices delayed 2 hours
CCRCE — schools and offices closed
SSRCE — schools and offices closed
AVRCE — schools closed
Tri-County — schools closed
Strait Regional — schools closed
CSAP — all schools closed
Halifax private schools — Sacred Heart, Grammar, Armbrae closed

Post-secondary

Dalhousie (Halifax & Truro) — delayed to 12 p.m.
King’s — delayed to 12 p.m.
Acadia — delayed to 12:30 p.m.
St. FX — delayed to 11:30 a.m.
MSVU — delayed to 12 p.m.
Saint Mary’s — closed for the day
NSCC — Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro & Cumberland closed; Pictou, Strait Area & Wagmatcook delaying opening