Late winter storm hinders travel in Maritimes, moves into Newfoundland

HALIFAX — A late winter storm that lashed the Maritimes blew into Newfoundland Monday bringing blizzard conditions to the island.

Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Khan said as much as 40 centimetres of snow was expected to fall in eastern Newfoundland, while the rest of the island was expected to get 20 centimetres or more.

“They are pretty much in the middle of it,” said Khan. “They are expecting similar amounts (to Maritimes) through the remainder of the day.”

Treacherous whiteout conditions prompted the RCMP to advise motorists to stay off the province’s roads. As well, Marine Atlantic cancelled its ferry crossings between Port aux Basques, N.L., and North Sydney, N.S.

The province’s largest health authority, Eastern Health, cancelled all non-essential and elective services and appointments at its hospitals and community health centres.

Khan said the weather system that paralysed much of the Maritimes on Sunday was expected to slowly move out of parts of northern Nova Scotia, southeastern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island through Monday.

He said blizzard warnings had been downgraded to a blowing snow advisory.

“If you are in a location that’s susceptible to a lot of white-out conditions . . . it’s going to be low visibility for a good portion of the day.”

Travel continued to be problematic with several delays and cancellations affecting flights within the Atlantic region, while the Confederation Bridge to P.E.I remained closed to traffic.

Conditions also forced the closure of the Trans Canada Highway between Moncton, N.B., and Amherst, N.S.

Khan said the storm dumped 44 centimetres of snow in Moncton, N.B., while parts of P.E.I. saw between 40 and 50 centimetres.

The highest amount was 59 centimetres reported by the airport in Sydney, N.S.