First winter storm of 2025 brings heavy, blowing snow to parts of Nova Scotia, P.E.I.

A man operates a snow blower after a winter storm in Sydney, N.S., on Feb.5, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Shane Wilkie

The first winter storm of the new year has brought heavy snow and high winds to parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Several school closures and weather warnings are in place Monday.

Schools

Schools across northern Nova Scotia and eastern P.E.I. are closed. A full list can be found here.

Government delays

All provincial civil service offices in the Kings County, P.E.I., area have delayed opening until 10:30 a.m.

Weather alerts

In Nova Scotia, a winter storm warning remains in place for Inverness County and Victoria County. Environment Canada says hazardous winter conditions are expected throughout Monday.

“A prolonged period of snow, at times heavy, is expected to continue in conjunction with strong winds, causing blowing snow and poor visibility today and tonight,” the warning reads.

An additional 15 to 30 cm of snow is possible Monday, except for the Highlands, where up to 60 cm is possible.

A special weather statement is also in effect for Antigonish County and Pictou County, where snow, wind and blowing snow are expected to continue Monday morning before easing in the afternoon. Maximum wind gusts may also reach up to 80 km/h.

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On P.E.I., a winter storm warning is in effect for Kings County, where periods of snow and strong winds will continue before easing late Monday afternoon or evening.

A special weather statement is also in effect for Queens County warning of similar conditions.

“Strong winds accompanying the snow will cause reduced visibility at times in blowing snow. Travel could become difficult. If you must travel, be prepared for delays and allow extra time to reach your destination,” the statement reads.

Power

More than 2,000 Nova Scotia Power customers were without electricity as of 8 a.m. Monday, with the largest outage reported in the Antigonish area. It’s estimated that power will be restored around 3 p.m.

There are currently no outages in New Brunswick or P.E.I.

Travel

Bay Ferries says the 9 a.m. departure from Saint John, N.B., will be delayed until 11 a.m.

The Confederation Bridge has restricted certain classes of vehicles from crossing until the high wind situation changes.