Over 120,000 Homes without Power as Storm Batters Canada’s Nova Scotia

(MENAFN) Over 120,000 households and businesses across Nova Scotia were left in the dark Monday after a powerful winter storm swept through eastern Canada, blanketing the region with heavy, wet snow, according to media reports.

Utility crews scrambled to repair downed lines as trees weighed by snow and ice collapsed, crippling infrastructure. The storm delivered between 15 and 20 centimeters (5.9 to 7.9 inches) of snow across central, eastern, and northern parts of the province.

Schools, government offices, and health-care services faced widespread disruption, with closures and cancellations reported across Nova Scotia and neighboring provinces.

On X, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) urged drivers to stay off the roads, citing multiple collisions on two major highways in Cumberland and Colchester counties that forced partial closures and created hazardous conditions.

Environment Canada issued a safety advisory, reminding residents clearing snow to "take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow."

Officials said repair operations would continue throughout the day as crews assessed extensive damage to the grid while weather conditions slowly improved.

In a statement, the Nova Scotia Executive Council Office confirmed that "provincial government offices in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Antigonish, Guysborough, Richmond, Victoria and Inverness counties will open at 11 a.m. today, January 19, because of weather conditions."

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