Many public schools in Nova Scotia remained shut for the third consecutive Monday due to a recent winter storm that swept through the region, causing hazardous driving conditions and heavy snowfall in some areas. Tragedy struck in Truro, N.S., where a woman lost her life after being struck by a snowplow while walking across a car dealership’s parking lot around 6:30 a.m., as confirmed by the police.
Cape Breton was placed under snowfall and winter storm warnings by Environment Canada, while parts of eastern and northern mainland Nova Scotia also faced similar warnings early on Monday, although they were later lifted. Authorities in Cape Breton issued warnings about treacherous driving conditions, with RCMP Cpl. Gary McLaughlin highlighting the poor state of off-ramps on Highway 125 where small vehicles were getting stuck, urging drivers to avoid venturing out.
Schools under the Chignecto Central, Strait, and Cape Breton-Victoria regional educational centers were closed, with around two dozen schools in the Halifax region shut down and others experiencing a two-hour delay in opening. Additionally, schools in West Hants remained closed for the day. Public transit services in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality were suspended, and municipal buildings along with recreational facilities were also closed.
Several universities in the province either postponed their opening or canceled daytime classes due to the severe weather conditions. CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin warned of blowing snow affecting visibility and complicating snow-clearing operations. Wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour were forecasted in parts of Cape Breton and the eastern mainland during the morning, gradually easing in the afternoon according to Environment Canada.
The region expected to receive between 20 to 25 centimeters of snow in Cape Breton and the eastern mainland, with some areas likely to experience higher snowfall amounts.