East coast blizzard

(Update)

Most Maritime residents are huddled inside tonight, riding out the wrath of an early spring storm. Some parts of the east coast have seen winds reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres an hour. By the time the blizzard ends, some areas could be coated in 30 to 40 centimetres of snow.

This storm has pretty much ground all activity to a halt. Schools are closed, public transit and flights are cancelled, ships remain moored in their harbours — stretches of the Trans Canada highway are even closed.

The high winds are blowing snow in Nova Scotia causing white out conditions for drivers. Visibility is near zero. Even in Halifax, roads are virtually empty. Waves are peaking 50 to 80 centimetres above average along the coastline. Because authorities had plenty of warning before the storm hit, they’ve closed down almost all non-emergency services. And with over 10,000 homes without power, they’ve opened warming stations.

In New Brunswick, more of the same. Before the storm ends, 15 to 40 centimetres of snow will have accumulated depending on the area. This has been such a harsh winter for the Maritimes, but residents are making the most of it: “You know something, there’s nothing we can do about it we might as well grin and bear it and carry on.”

“I am so depressed about this weather but you just have to laugh otherwise you’ll curl up in a ball and start crying. It’s been a dreadful winter.”

Then Newfoundland and Labrador will get their share of the blizzard.