Severe weather conditions swept across Prince Edward Island on February 18, leading to the closure of the Confederation Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. The high winds, expected to reach nearly 90 km/h, prompted multiple alerts and actions across various sectors, including education, health services, and public transport.
Environment Canada issued wind warnings for the region, indicating severe gusts and advising residents of hazardous conditions. "The high winds will also give reduced visibility in blowing snow over exposed areas. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches," the agency cautioned.
Subsequently, all schools across the island were closed, including major institutions like the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l'Île. French daycares also pushed their opening times back to 10:30 a.m. with the promise of future updates dependent on weather conditions.
Health services were not spared the disruption; many were forced to cancel or delay morning appointments due to inclement weather. Islanders were advised to check the Health P.E.I. website for the latest information on service availability. T3 Transit reported the cancellation of all rural transit routes, though some city routes 1, 2, 3, and 23 were able to run as scheduled.
The adverse weather conditions had ripple effects beyond just education and public transport. All provincial civil service offices reported late openings at 10:30 a.m. with future announcements expected. Service Canada Centres across the island followed suit, implementing similar delays. Garbage collection was also halted entirely, with all pickups being canceled for the day.
Travel plans were affected as well, with the Charlottetown Airport reporting cancellation of its first flight to Toronto. Islanders reliant on air travel faced added frustration due to the weather-related disruptions.
The closure of the Confederation Bridge meant certain logistics and deliveries were hindered, such as the inability of The Guardian newspapers to reach the island for Tuesday's distribution. The newspaper apologized for the inconvenience caused to its subscribers.
Overall, the wind warnings drastically altered daily life across Prince Edward Island on February 18, demonstrating the challenges posed by extreme weather. Islanders were advised to remain vigilant, heeding warnings about potential hazards caused by flying debris and reduced visibility.