Storm Wreaks Havoc in Nova Scotia: Schools and Roads Closed Amid Severe Weather Conditions

Nova Scotia Braces for Impact: Schools Closed, Thousands Without power as Storm Intensifies

HALIFAX, NS – A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across Nova Scotia, leading to widespread school closures, important power outages, and treacherous road conditions. as of Wednesday morning, over 19,000 Nova Scotia Power customers are without electricity, and multiple schools and roadways have been shut down.

All schools within the Chignecto Central Regional Center for Education and Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education are closed for the day. The Tri-County Regional Centre for Education has announced closures for all schools in Digby County, while schools remain open in Yarmouth and Shelburne counties. Several schools within the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial are also affected, including École Rose-des-Vents in Greenwood, and cancellations for École acadienne de Truro and Centre scolaire Étoile de l’Acadie in Sydney.

Major Highway Blocked following Jackknifed Truck

Travel is severely impacted, with key transportation routes closed. A section of Highway 104 between Masstown and Oxford is currently impassable after an 18-wheeler jackknifed near the Cobequid Pass toll station around 4 a.m. The incident,described by Kyle Hollingsworth of Heavy Rescue 104,has caused significant traffic backups stretching for several kilometers.Hollingsworth and his team are working to clear the wreckage using heavy-duty tow trucks.

Motorists are urged to check the province’s 511 website (https://511.novascotia.ca/) for the latest road conditions and closures before travelling.

The storm, characterized by heavy snow and wet

What proactive steps can residents take to ensure the safety of vulnerable neighbors during the storm?

Current Situation: Nova Scotia Weather Emergency

As of December 3rd, 2025, Nova Scotia is grappling with a severe winter storm, leading to widespread disruptions across the province.Intense snowfall, coupled with strong winds and freezing rain, has prompted school closures, road closures, and travel advisories. The storm, impacting Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding areas, is categorized as a significant weather event by habitat Canada. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. This intense weather system is causing power outages and hazardous conditions for emergency services.

School Closures & Educational Disruptions

Numerous school boards across Nova Scotia have announced closures for December 3rd and potentially December 4th, 2025, prioritizing student and staff safety.

* Halifax Regional Center for Education (HRCE): All schools are closed.

* South Shore Regional Centre for Education: all schools are closed.

* Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for education: All schools are closed.

* Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education: All schools are closed.

These closures extend to all extracurricular activities and programs. Updates regarding school re-openings will be posted on respective school board websites and local news channels. online learning options, were available, are being encouraged to minimize educational disruption. Parents and students are advised to check official sources for the latest data on school status.

Road Conditions & Travel Advisories

The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works is reporting extremely challenging road conditions throughout the province. Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation are making travel hazardous, with reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.

* Highway 104: Sections are closed due to whiteout conditions and multiple vehicle incidents.

* Highway 101: Significant delays are reported due to snow and ice.

* Highway 103: Travel is not recommended.

The RCMP are urging motorists to avoid all non-essential travel. If travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to:

1. Reduce speed significantly.
2. Increase following distance.
3. Ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires.
4. Carry an emergency kit including blankets, food, and water.
5. Fully charge mobile devices.

Real-time road conditions can be found on the 511 Nova Scotia website (https://511.novascotia.ca/).

Power Outages & Utility Updates

Nova Scotia Power is reporting widespread power outages affecting thousands of customers. Strong winds are downing trees and power lines, leading to disruptions in electricity supply.

* Affected Areas: Primarily impacting the Eastern Shore, South Shore, and parts of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

* Estimated Restoration Times: Vary depending on the extent of the damage. Nova Scotia Power crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Customers can report outages and check restoration updates on the Nova Scotia Power website (https://www.nspower.ca/) or through their mobile app. It’s crucial to treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous.

Safety Precautions & Emergency Preparedness

Given the severity of the storm, residents are urged to take the following safety precautions:

* Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities to essential travel onyl.

* Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Ensure elderly or disabled neighbors have assistance and are safe.

* Prepare for Extended Outages: Have a supply of non-perishable food, water, and essential medications on hand.

* Charge Devices: Fully charge mobile phones and other electronic devices.

* Carbon Monoxide Safety: Never use generators indoors. Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

* Emergency Kit: Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit including a first-aid kit, flashlight, and battery-powered radio.

Historical Context: Nova Scotia winter Storms

Nova Scotia is no stranger to severe winter storms. In January 2022, a similar blizzard brought record-breaking snowfall to the region, causing widespread disruption and significant economic impact. The current storm is being compared to that event in terms of intensity and potential for damage. Understanding past weather events helps communities prepare and mitigate the effects of future storms.the province has invested in improved snow removal equipment and emergency response protocols following previous severe weather incidents.

Resources & Further Information

* Environment Canada: [https://weather.gc.ca/](https://weather.gc.ca