Winter Storm Leaves Over 120,000 Without Power in Nova Scotia

More than 120,000 homes and businesses in Nova Scotia were left without electricity on Monday after a powerful winter storm brought heavy, wet snow across eastern Canada, disrupting daily life and damaging power infrastructure.

Media reports said the storm dumped between 15 and 20 centimetres of snow across central, eastern and northern parts of the province overnight. The weight of snow and ice caused trees to fall and power lines to collapse, prompting widespread outages as utility crews worked to restore service.

The severe weather forced the closure or delayed opening of schools and government offices across Nova Scotia and neighbouring provinces. Numerous healthcare appointments and services were also cancelled as conditions worsened.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police warned motorists to avoid unnecessary travel after multiple collisions on major highways in Cumberland and Colchester counties led to partial road closures and dangerous driving conditions. Authorities urged drivers to exercise caution as snow-covered and icy roads persisted.

Environment Canada advised residents clearing snow to take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion, citing the strain caused by heavy, wet snowfall.

Power restoration efforts were expected to continue throughout the day as weather conditions gradually improved and crews assessed extensive damage to the electricity network. In a statement, Nova Scotia’s Executive Council Office announced that provincial government offices in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and several counties, including Antigonish, Guysborough, Richmond, Victoria and Inverness, would open at 11 a.m. on January 19 due to the storm.

Officials said updates would be provided as recovery efforts progress and services gradually resume.