PHOTOS: Plenty of cleanup in Atlantic Canada after epic winter storm
The mighty, potentially historic winter storm that dropped more than 60 cm of wind-driven snow in parts of the northeastern United States powered through Atlantic Canada with similar impacts.
The storm, which affected tens of millions of people across the U.S. and Canada, impacted the Atlantic region heavily on Saturday. The system’s wide-reaching impacts varied greatly from one province to another, dropping heavy snow and howling winds in some areas while others saw heavy rain, significant ice, and even coastal flooding from a storm surge.
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The worst of the storm has passed, but the Maritimes and Newfoundland will still be dealing with lingering blowing snow Sunday as the winds will remain intense for at least part of the day for the former and into the evening for the latter.
Storm surges and a flooding risk will also be an issue for Newfoundland, with an additional 15-25 mm of rain likely for the southern Avalon possible Sunday. Ongoing flooding is occurring across Newfoundland as more than 80 mm of rainfall has been reported over the past 24 hours, particularly along the Waterford River.
Some communities will face an arduous cleanup effort come Sunday. As of Sunday morning, St. Georges, P.E.I., picked up 40 cm of snow, Charlottetown, P.E.I., has seen 37 cm of snow, Moncton, N.B., received 30 cm and Greenwood, N.S., was hit with 31 cm so far. As well, Sydney, N.S., saw a new daily record for the rainiest January day on Saturday -- reporting 83.6 mm of rain -- beating out its previous tally of 66.2 mm on Jan. 28, 2008.
The storm brought substantial impacts to the Maritimes on Saturday. Thousands of homes and businesses in Nova Scotia lost power during the height of the wintry weather. The risk for power outages persists Sunday due to high winds behind the storm.
Residents in P.E.I. were urged to stay home Saturday evening because roads were covered by heavy, wind-swept snow. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) tweeted early Saturday evening that they responded to several reports of stranded motorists on roads across the island.
Difficult travel conditions played out across Nova Scotia, as well, where the RCMP urged residents to stay home. Halifax Transit halted bus service temporarily due to the storm weather and road conditions.
Check out some of the impressive sights around the Atlantic provinces on Saturday as residents witnessed this intense winter storm.
Thumbnail courtesy of Michael Higgs, taken in Moncton, N.B.
