Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is in the midst of a major snowstorm, with schools, offices, and non-essential businesses remaining closed as crews work to clear the streets. The region has been hit with a historic multi-day storm that has dumped up to 150 centimetres of snow in some areas, leading to a local state of emergency being declared in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Assistance from neighboring provinces and the federal government is being sought to help with snow clearing efforts.
As of Tuesday morning, there were around 1,000 Nova Scotia Power customers still without electricity, and some roads, particularly in rural areas, may not be cleared for days. While main roads in the CBRM are mostly clear, side roads are still being opened up, and residents are being urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
In addition to the impact on transportation and power, the storm has caused a fuel shortage in the Sydney area, with some gas stations running out of fuel. The region’s bulk plant, where diesel is sourced, has been closed since Friday, leading to concerns about fuel depletion during snow clearing operations.
On a positive note, the cleanup efforts are underway, with most provincial plowed roads expected to be open later today or Wednesday morning. However, isolated gravel roads may not be plowed until Friday due to significant drifting.
Residents are also being urged to be mindful of the snow accumulating on their roofs, as freezing and melting can cause damage to buildings and potentially lead to collapses. Professional assistance is recommended for snow removal to avoid injury and structural damage.
The recent storm serves as a reminder of the potential impact of severe weather events, with insurance losses from weather-related incidents reaching record-breaking levels in recent years. Despite the challenges posed by the snowstorm, there is hope that conditions will improve in the coming days, and support is available for those dealing with the aftermath of the extreme weather.
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