Schools across Nova Scotia are closed today due to significant snowfall anticipated as part of a winter storm expected to impact the region. Various school boards have canceled classes, and adjustments have been made to the regular school schedules to accommodate the weather conditions.
The South Shore Regional Centre for Education has announced the closure of all its schools, echoing similar decisions from the Tri County Regional Centre for Education and the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education. Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education and Strait Regional Centre for Education also reported complete school shutdowns for the day.
The forecast from Environment Canada predicts the region will experience substantial snowfall. "Snowfall amounts could be as high as 20 cm in some areas over the next 24 to 36 hours," the meteorological agency stated. The snow is expected to begin this afternoon and persist through Thursday morning, with conditions remaining hazardous as periods of blowing snow are likely.
While many schools are closed, some institutions, like the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, have adjusted schedules rather than full closures. For example, students will be dismissed two hours early, and after-school programs have been canceled to keep everyone safe during the inclement weather.
Students at the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial also faced similar announcements, with all schools closed today. The Belle-Baie School is the exception, opening for half a day but closing early at 11 AM.
The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) has followed suit, with several campuses closing early. The Akerley and Ivany campuses will close around noon, and others will shut down at 2 PM.
Public safety is also on the agenda as residents are reminded to prepare for winter driving conditions. Halifax Regional Municipality has enacted its overnight winter parking ban, effective between 1 AM and 6 AM Thursday to facilitate snow removal operations. Halifax Regional Police have shared advice for motorists, reminding them to drive cautiously due to the changing road conditions throughout the day. "Police advise motorists to adjust their driving in light of today’s forecasted snowfall and to be mindful of the changing road conditions throughout the day,” they stated through social media.
Travel plans have not escaped unscathed, either. Marine Atlantic announced the cancellation of ferry crossings between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland due to adverse weather conditions, affecting many travelers who had planned on crossing the waters.
With these closures and preparations for snowfall, Nova Scotians are bracing for what could be another significant winter weather event. The storm's full effect and any positional changes for schools and services can be monitored through local news sources and weather updates.
While the severity of the snowfall remains to be seen, it is clear: residents are advised to keep their shovels handy!