Halifax Transit suspends service as storm pummels Nova Scotia
Posted Jan 4, 2018 07:37:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A nor'easter is expected to bring near hurricane-force winds to the Maritimes.
Forecasters warn of very strong easterly winds gusting to 100 kilometres and hour, which could reach as high as 130 kilometres an hour over exposed areas along near the Atlantic coast.
The high winds have caused extensive power outages, closures, cancellations and travel disruptions.
NEWS 95.7 meteorologist John Wilson said it will get worse before it gets better.
“By about 10 p.m. or midnight, that's when we'll have the 100 to 110 kilometre an hour gusts, and maybe higher than that,” he said. “Keep in mind, hurricane-force is 120.”
Halifax Harbour Bridges had had to shut down the MacKay Bridge because they reached 120 kilometre an hour sustained winds, but it reopened later in the evening. They are able to keep the Macdonald Bridge open.
The arrivals and departures boards at Halifax Stanfield International Airport are filled with red lines as several flights have been cancelled.
Halifax Transit stopped all ferry and bus service for the day.
With a wind warning in effect, Halifax Regional Municipality says curbside collection of garbage, organics, and recyclables scheduled for Friday has been cancelled. Affected residents will be allowed to put out double their garbage bag limit on Friday January 19th.
Over 77,000 Nova Scotians are without power as of 7:30 p.m. and Nova Scotia Power had warned outages could last for days in some parts of the province.
“Once this thing roars up into Labrador, an arctic blast follows it in, so we get pretty cold temperatures,” explained Wilson. “Saturday, -11 or -12 for highs, and with no power in a lot of places, this is really going to be a major issue.”
Nova Scotia Power has opened its payment depots across the province, including its head office at 1223 Lower Water Street in Halifax, so those who have lost power can warm up and recharge their devices.
Customers can report outages or get estimated restoration times by calling Nova Scotia Power at 1-877-428-6004. They can also check their online outage map.
Cst. Carol McIsaac of the Halifax Regional Police said during the Christmas Day storm, many people called 911 to report power outages and downed trees, but she said most of those calls should be going to Nova Scotia Power.
“A downed power line, don't approach it, but do call Nova Scotia Power to report it,” she explained. “If you do believe that it could cause a threat to personal safety, then you would call 911.”
Storm surge and rainfall warnings are also in effect.
Halifax Regional Municipality is recommending those who live in flood-prone areas, or locations with only one access point, to stay with friends or family tonight.
Comfort centres have also also be set up through the Emergency Management Office in select locations across the municipality.
