Snow has officially arrived in New Brunswick, but it brought chaos along with its wintery charm. A significant snowstorm, fueled by what meteorologists dubbed a "Colorado low," swept across much of the province overnight from Thursday to Friday, creating havoc for residents. The storm dumped heavy, wet snow, affecting thousands across the region and resulting in widespread power outages, closed schools, and hazardous travel conditions.
Initially, around 40,000 customers were left without electricity, with the outage numbers dropping to just over 17,000 by Friday afternoon. Most affected were residents in the greater Fredericton area, where trees heavy with wet snow made contact with power lines, according to NB Power. Spokesperson D'Arcy Walsh noted, "The work is underway and will continue as long as conditions are safe." This was good news because heavy, wet snow can be particularly damaging as it accumulates, weighing down branches and causing them to snap.
The snowfall began on Thursday evening, and by Friday morning, many residents woke up to find their surroundings draped in white. Environment Canada had warned of 15 to 20 centimeters of snow across much of New Brunswick, and reports varied with some areas receiving over 10 centimeters. The storm not just blanketed everything, but it also created less-than-ideal driving conditions on major roads. Some highways remained snow-covered well after the storm began to move east.
Local schools braced for the impact of the winter weather. Many school districts quickly made the decision to close, putting the brakes on Friday classes across multiple regions. Schools across the Anglophone and Francophone districts, including Fredericton and Miramichi, shut down, much to the delight of many students. "It means the weekend will start early for some kids!" commented one Fredericton parent, showcasing the mixed feelings of delight and inconvenience felt by many.
Throughout the day, road conditions remained tricky, with reports of icy stretches and snow-laden vehicles struggling to navigate. The Fredericton Police urged drivers to exercise caution as they drove around town. Lucky enough to avoid major accidents, police still advised residents to stay off the roads if possible and rely on public transportation until conditions improved.
The storm impacted public services as well, with delays reported at airports and schools trying to navigate the challenges presented by the weather. Some flights out of Greater Moncton International Airport were canceled or delayed, leaving travelers stranded. Local authorities worked diligently to address traffic incidents, with some transport trucks getting stuck on highways, creating additional challenges for clearing operations.
Despite the challenges brought by the snowstorm, many New Brunswickers responded with the typical Maritimer optimism. Social media buzzed with posts of families out enjoying the fresh snow, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Several photos showcased children bundled up, eager to make the most out of their unexpected day off. One resident tweeted, "Nothing like the first snowfall; it brings out the kid in everyone! #NBstorm."
Back to those still dealing with the storm aftermath, the stress wasn't entirely forgotten. Local agencies focused on providing shelter and necessities for those affected by outages or left stranded due to highway closures. Community centers opened their doors to those needing warmth, showing resilience and support typical of New Brunswick's community spirit. The Canadian Red Cross, alongside various local charities, mobilized to provide relief.
Everywhere you looked, people were working together. Neighbors helped shovel driveways, and local businesses took to the streets to make sure they remained accessible for those needing them most. Also, as the storm gradually moved out later Friday, forecasts indicated improving conditions, with hopes for more predictable winter weather to follow.
This bout of wintry weather serves as just the beginning of what New Brunswickers can expect as winter firmly settles in over the coming months. After all, another snowstorm is always just around the corner, but for now, many are busy cleaning up and making memories during this beautiful season.