Urgent Weather Alert: Over 22,000 Without Power in Atlantic Canada

UPDATE: As severe weather blankets Atlantic Canada, over 22,000 Maritime Electric customers were left without power overnight due to strong winds and frigid temperatures. The situation is evolving rapidly, with the number of outages reduced to about 2,200 by 10 a.m. local time.

Public schools across Prince Edward Island are closed today, impacting thousands of students as authorities warn residents to stay indoors. Wind gusts reached a staggering 92 kilometres per hour at both North Cape and East Point, creating hazardous conditions.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland and southern Labrador remain under snow squall and wind warnings, with gusts forecasted to escalate to 120 km/h in coastal areas. A peak gust of 125 km/h was recorded on tiny Sagona Island at 9 a.m., worsening the situation for residents.

In contrast, while much of New Brunswick is escaping the worst of the weather, northeastern mainland Nova Scotia and all of Cape Breton are grappling with fierce snow squalls driven by winds between 70 and 100 km/h. A westerly gust in Grand Etang reached 102 km/h, a region notorious for its powerful winds.

“This weather system is causing significant disruptions across the region, and we urge residents to remain vigilant,” said an official from Maritime Electric.

As the situation develops, residents are advised to prepare for further power outages and be cautious if travel is necessary. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to incidents caused by these extreme weather conditions.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance where needed.