Halifax expecting a ‘messy afternoon commute’ as road conditions deteriorate
Environment Canada weather statement says more bad weather on the way for Friday
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Halifax Transit had some buses on snow plans due to the poor weather.Weather forecasts calling for snow and ice have prompted early closure of Halifax schools and changes to Halifax bus routes.
Late Thursday morning, Environment Canada issued a weather statement for Halifax stating between five to 10 centimetres of snow and ice pellets are expected throughout the day before temperatures drop rapidly below freezing Thursday evening and into Friday.
With temperatures above freezing, snow has melted in places leaving sidewalks and roads slippery.
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Above freezing temperatures and snow from the past week has contributed to slippery sidewalk and road conditions.People on social media are cautioning of poor and deteriorating conditions on highways around Halifax, including reports of vehicles off the road.
RT @nikki_beik: accident spot on highway 103 near exit 5 car in ditch @hfxtraffic pic.twitter.com/4jO7XzRYv2
— Halifax Traffic (@hfxtraffic) February 13, 2020
Nova Scotia RCMP is also advising people to slow down and drive carefully due to poor weather and road conditions.
RCMP NS asks you to slow down and drive safe. Roads may be slippery due to the weather conditions.
— RCMP, Nova Scotia (@RCMPNS) February 13, 2020
Early Thursday afternoon, Halifax government asked residents to exercise caution while de-icing operations were carried out. The municipal overnight parking ban will remain in effect from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday morning.
A number of arrivals and departures to and from Halifax Stanfield International Airport are experiencing delays. The airport is advising passengers to check their flight status with their airline or directly with the airport before leaving.
On Thursday morning, Halifax Transit had some bus routes operating on snow plans, although a few had returned to regular routes by midday.
Route 14 has returned to regular routing. https://t.co/UqAkn2kGk6
— Halifax Transit (@hfxtransit) February 13, 2020
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education opted to close schools early, with buses picking students up two hours before their regular dismissal times.
NSCAD University, Mount Saint Vincent, Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and the University of King’s College remained open, while Nova Scotia Community College announced a 12:30 p.m. closure.
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Temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing late Thursday evening, potentially creating ice on roads.Environment Canada expects the snowfall to give way to flurries by the evening, but warns of a messy afternoon commute.
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing around 9 p.m, and continue to drop to -16 C by midnight Friday.