“Severe Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages in Nova Scotia”

Severe weather conditions in Nova Scotia caused power outages affecting tens of thousands of Nova Scotia Power customers on Saturday. The utility reported that approximately 186,000 customers lost electricity during the storm.

The adverse weather led to flight cancellations and delays at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, while ferry services between North Sydney and Newfoundland were suspended for the day.

By 6:09 p.m. AT, Nova Scotia Power’s outage map indicated that around 25,000 customers were still without power.

Nova Scotia Power mobilized over 600 personnel on the ground on Saturday to expedite power restoration efforts. Pam Scully-Poirier, Nova Scotia Power’s storm lead, highlighted the challenging conditions faced by crews due to high winds causing tree and branch interference with power lines, damaged poles, and reduced visibility.

The utility also employed a helicopter to inspect power lines across various areas of the province for any signs of damage.

In Kings County, the Greenwich Volunteer Fire Department was on high alert on Friday night, dealing with road blockages caused by trees falling on power lines, including incidents on Deep Hallow Road.

Chief Jason Ripley recounted the challenges faced, stating, “We were called to a location where a tree had fallen due to strong winds, snapping a power pole and causing power and communication wire damages along with blowing two transformers.”

In Halifax, Local Source Market faced challenges as a fallen tree damaged a power line connected to the store, resulting in power loss since Friday night.

Founder and co-owner Sean Gallagher expressed the urgency in restoring power, mentioning, “We’re seeking emergency assistance while managing essential operations with a generator to preserve perishable items.”

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon reported widespread wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h across Nova Scotia, southern New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, with peak gusts reaching 100 to 120 km/h in exposed areas. The highest wind gust in Nova Scotia was recorded at 127 km/h in Monastery, Antigonish County.

MORE TOP STORIES