Atlantic Canada still digging out as more snow takes aim

Friday, March 27, 2015, 7:59 AM - Almost a week after the last major snowfall, much of Atlantic Canada is still digging out, with schools closed due to roof-collapse risk and residents being asked to help cities out. And there's more snow on the way after heavy rains in some areas today.

For many cities in the region this season is among the snowiest they have ever had to deal with. Saint John, New Brunswick easily broke its previous record by more than 60 cm of snow, while Moncton, N.B., and Charlottetown, P.E.I., fell just short of reaching the top.

It's all starting to add up as Atlantic Canada tries to recover from the cumulative effect of the endless storms.

In Halifax, students from seven schools woke up to an early start to their weekend as Halifax Regional School Board announced that the schools were closed to allow excessive snow to be removed from roofs. 

Coming almost an an endorsement of the move, the roof of St Patrick's High School collapsed early Friday. The weight of the snow was too much for the building to handle and residents reported that the walls were buckling under the weight. That school has been closed since 2007 and scheduled for demolition in the near future.

If you live in Moncton, the city would you like to grab a shovel and give a helping hand. Officials reached out to residents asking for assistance clearing out storm drains. Covered drains bring a heightened risk of flooding as the temperature starts to warm up.

"The Ground is still frozen so it doesn't have the capacity or ability to absorb moisture," Moncton Fire Chief Eric Arsenault told CBC.

Moncton has already gone over budget for snow removal by $1.7 million in January and February alone, but Isabelle Arsenault, Moncton's director of communications, is confident mild weather could allow them to recover by the fall. In the meantime, it might be time for the people of Moncton to grab a shovel to avert a worse situation.

"Obviously the more help that we can get the more storm drains that we can clear, the more easily the water can flow through," Arsenault said, speaking to CBC News.

More snow for Atlantic Canada

Friday was forecast to bring rain for the southern Maritimes and eastern Newfoundland. But rain will turn into snow as colder temps move in from the north.

For Nova Scotia, Saturday morning could include up to 10 cm of snow.

Newfounland is seeing a similar story unfold. Parts of the province will switch to a rain/snow mix then mainly snow for Saturday.

When will spring begin and what will it bring?

The stormy pattern across Atlantic Canada this winter will likely continue into April with the potential for late-season winter-like storms, according to The Weather Network’s 2015 Spring Outlook.

For April and May, “we’re still going to be more on the cooler side of things," chief meteorologist Chris Scott said. "And again, with that above normal storm track, above normal precipitation is anticipated this spring.”

Sources:  CBC

Courtesy: Shelly Gilby - New Minas, N.S.

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