Atlantic Canada: Heavy snow closes schools for the second day in a row

Thursday, February 20, 2014, 8:40 AM -

Numerous schools across Atlantic Canada are closed for the second day in a row on Thursday as a powerful storm brings a nasty mix of snow, freezing rain and damaging winds.

Between 10-20 cm of snow had already fallen by 8 am, local time in the Maritimes. That's after some places picked up close 30 cm of snow on Wednesday.

"Roads are slippery this morning in Halifax," tweeted The Weather Network's Nathan Coleman early Thursday. "Take your time on the drive to work."

Snow and rainfall warnings were issued for the province.

"A wintry mix of precipitation in the form of snow, rain and freezing rain is occurring over eastern and northern Nova Scotia," said Environment Canada in the statement. "Precipitation will end from west to east this morning over most areas."

Snowfall warnings also stretched into parts of Prince Edward Island with up to 20 cm expected by the time all is said and done.

In Newfoundland, the system is expected to bring strengthening winds, snow, freezing rain and rain to the island throughout the day on Thursday.

Up to 20 cm of snow is expected through Friday, along with winds gusting between 70-100 km/h.

School #closures in #Newfoundland right here: https://t.co/JFTHOTTPXW

— Chris Murphy TWN (@chris_m_twn) February 20, 2014

The snow combined with powerful winds will give near zero visibility and poor driving conditions.

Motorists are urged to adjust travel plans and avoid any unnecessary driving if possible.