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Empty streets, widespread power outages and near complete travel shut down. A powerful and intense Nor'easter that stormed through Atlantic Canada Wednesday is one for the record books. Now, we're keeping an eye on the next weekend storm.

Nor'easter aftermath: Digging out and bracing for the next storm


Andrea Bagley
Digital Reporter

Thursday, March 27, 2014, 12:01 PM -

Empty streets, widespread power outages and near complete travel shut down. A powerful and intense Nor'easter that stormed through Atlantic Canada Wednesday is one for the record books.

"This intense Nor'easter is the strongest storm to hit Atlantic Canada this winter and will be one of the most powerful storms of the past few years," says Weather Network meteorologist Dayna Vettese.

Upwards of 30 cm of snow fell throughout the day, with hurricane force wind gusts reported as well.

"Wreckhouse, Newfoundland has set an all time wind gust record of 186 km/h," adds Vettese.

"Last night winds just howled and howled and the winds didn't really ease until about 4 or 5 in the morning here," says The Weather Network's Chris St. Clair who has been covering the storm live in Charlottetown, P.E.I. "The snow drifts are just epic."

Snowfall rates of 5-10 cm per hour were reported at the peak of the storm leading to blizzard conditions with zero visibility.

Most schools and government offices were closed in the Maritimes on Wednesday, with several closures reported once again Thursday and some offices delaying their opening.

Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital cancelled all non-emergency surgeries Thursday and limited clinic appointments.

More flights in Halifax, N.S. and St. John's, N.L. have also been cancelled and those with air travel plans are being urged to call ahead.

Blowing snow will remain a big issue across parts of Atlantic Canada on Thursday with wind and blizzard warnings still in place in some areas.

"Near zero visibility in snow and blowing snow with easterly winds gusting to 100 km/h continuing this morning," said Environment Canada in the statement early Thursday.

In Newfoundland, the risk of localized flooding continues as well.

"Higher than normal water levels combined with high waves will coincide with high astronomical tide today," EC adds. "This may cause some flooding and infrastructure damage along portions of the south coast and southern Avalon Peninsula that are exposed to the southwest."

BRACING FOR ANOTHER PARADE OF STORMS

It's probably the last thing most Atlantic Canadians want to hear, but a series of storms are on track to hit the Maritimes this weekend. 

The good news is, much milder temperatures will accompany the next system that is expected to push in on Friday afternoon. 

That means it's looking to be a mainly rain event for the southern portions of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

"Another system targeting the region on Sunday however, could bring more of a messy mix," warns Brett Soderholm, another meteorologist at The Weather Network. "Rain, freezing rain and snow are possible with parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island potentially seeing up to 20 cm of snow through Monday."


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