HALIFAX — The last week of winter is starting with a bang in the Maritimes, with a storm ripping through all three provinces and paralyzing parts of the region.
Roadways have closed, many flights have cancelled, and police throughout the region are advising people to stay home if at all possible.
A 14-vehicle accident on a Cape Breton bridge Sunday afternoon was likely the result of poor roads and whiteout conditions, according to police.
Cape Breton Regional Police say the accident sent six people to hospital with minor injuries and prompted the closure of the highway near the bridge.
In New Brunswick, RCMP advised drivers to stay off a major highway between Fredericton and Moncton until conditions improved.
The Confederation Bridge, linking New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, was closed to all traffic late Sunday afternoon until further notice.
Blizzard warnings remained in effect Sunday evening for P.E.I. and much of New Brunswick, with blowing snow and an accumulation of up to 20 cm expected overnight.
In Halifax, high winds and blowing snow were expected to continue through the evening Sunday and overnight.
Halifax city spokeswoman Jennifer Stairs says blowing snow is especially challenging for crews clearing streets, because the snow fills back in as soon as they take it away.
Airports in Halifax, Charlottetown and Moncton reported mostly cancellations Sunday afternoon, with some cancellations already posted for Monday.
The low pressure system was expected to move on to Newfoundland late Sunday, bringing blizzard conditions to the island overnight and into Monday. In anticipation of the weather, Marine Atlantic ferry service cancelled its crossings between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for Sunday.
