Mega-banks: Daunting cleanup after 100 cm of snow walloped the East Coast
Cleanup efforts are well underway across parts of Nova Scotia, but it's no easy task with 100 + cm to dig out from
A multi-day and historic snowstorm took a significant toll across eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton last weekend, and for some, the worst is far from over. Cleanup efforts are well underway, but with 100+ cm to dig out from, it could still be days before returning to normalcy for the region.
"This was an unusual, stalling low-pressure system that sat off the coast of Nova Scotia for days, bringing the highest snowfall totals ever seen for some in the Maritimes," says Matt Grinter a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
Major highways across Cape Breton are now passable, according to the Public Works Department, though narrow lanes may still be an issue.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) declared a local state of emergency in response to the storm. Several schools across the region remained closed once again on Wednesday, with public transit not running, either.
SEE ALSO: Major highways across Cape Breton now passable after multi-day storm
New Glasgow, N.S. (Nathan Coleman)
Mega-snowbanks and buried cars are widespread following the weekend storm. Though extremely daunting, drivers are being warned that leaving your car buried in snow can eventually lead to several issues in the future. Taking the time to clear it, and get the car out from under the pile will certainly be worth it in the end, according to experts at certifiedsafedriver.com. Damaging issues include a drained battery, and leaks into the braking system.
Staying aware of the high snowbanks and their location to power lines are also safety issues that impacted residents should keep in mind.
"Snow days and fresh powder for playing are the best parts of winter, but with heavy snowfall come high drifts and snowbanks, which means you may be closer to power lines and electrical equipment," warned Nova Scotia Power. "That's why it's important to be aware of your surroundings and stay away from overhead lines. Play safely!"
Here's a closer look at the cleanup efforts underway amid this epic February snowfall on the East Coast:
New Glasgow, N.S. (Nathan Coleman)
New Glasgow, N.S. (Nathan Coleman)
