Weather more common in spring than winter has left roads washed out, basements flooded and wind damage in many Cape Breton regions.
A 25 degree temperature swing has left most of what was frozen melted. Alicia MacDougall knows that first-hand, as much of her basement was flooded beyond repair.
“I came down and there was water everywhere. Everywhere," said MacDougall.
Her new flooring tiles for the upstairs living room were ruined. MacDougall now worries the hot water tank will be next.
"We're new homeowners. We've never been through anything like this, so we have no idea what it's going to run us. But I can't imagine it's going to be cheap or easy," said MacDougall.
Wednesday’s strong winds, heavy rain and sudden thaw resulted in rising floodwaters from the Salmon River dumping chucks of ice onto Park Street. It’s expected to be closed for a day or two.
“You need a boat to get by,” said local resident Morris Lanceleve. A couple of them, really."
“Until they move the dikes back and give the Salmon River back its flood plain, it will continue to happen," said Wayne Faulkner, who’s lived in the area for 67 years.
The #4 near Welsford, N.S., has a metre-wide of water across the road. A neighbour tells CTV News it was caused by a pond blocked by beavers.
In Sydney, a busy section of Prince Street looked more like a lake.
"Well, I think it's exciting that the snow's gone, but it's creating a lot of havoc and floods for drivers and homes in the city," said resident Carl Cambridge.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Public Works spent much of the day clearing storm drains, catch basins, and dealing with sewer surcharge from overflowing manholes.
With the temperature expected to drop overnight Wednesday, crews will continue to work with hopes of avoiding a flash freeze.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
