Significant Power Outages Reported
A severe snow and ice storm has resulted in significant power outages across New Brunswick, with 1,031 customers reported without power in Kent County, according to nb power. The storm has created hazardous conditions, prompting a yellow warning from Environment Canada.
As of 8:40 a.m., nb power noted 15 outages affecting 670 customers. The situation has worsened throughout the day, particularly in Kent County, where areas around Bouctouche have been heavily impacted.
School Closures and Travel Disruptions
Most schools in New Brunswick were closed due to the storm, although schools in the Anglophone South School District and some in the Saint John-area Francophone South remained open. The storm’s effects have also delayed the opening of several post-secondary institutions in the province.
Highways across New Brunswick are reported to be partly to fully covered with snow, ice, and slush, making travel hazardous. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Forecast and Community Response
Environment Canada has forecasted five to ten millimeters of freezing rain mixed with ice pellets, expected to taper off early Thursday afternoon. Local residents are bracing for potential worsening conditions, with concerns about wind impacting power restoration efforts.
Aldéo Saulnier, a local resident, expressed uncertainty about the situation, stating, “If the wind doesn’t pick up and it stays like it is right now we could be in good shape, but if the wind picks up … I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Meanwhile, Marc Babineau noted the sounds of generators in the neighborhood, highlighting the community’s response to the outages: “If you go outside today, you can hear the distant murmur of your neighbour’s generator.”
As the storm continues to affect daily life in New Brunswick, residents and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the storm’s impact and the timeline for power restoration.
