Plows, shovels busy after record storm

The state of emergency remains in effect as the cleanup from "White Juan" begins.

CBC News Posted: Feb 20, 2004 4:51 PM EST | Last Updated: February 20, 2004

The state of emergency remains in effect as the cleanup from "White Juan" begins.

Non-essential workers are supposed to stay at home while crews continue to clear the way for emergency vehicles.

"Anyone who thinks it's worth the try [to go out], it positively is not," says Scott Burbridge, with Halifax RCMP.

Environment Canada has nicknamed Thursday's blizzard "White Juan," after the hurricane that tore through the province last fall. Like this blizzard, Juan brought Nova Scotia to a standstill.

CFB Shearwater recorded more than 90 cm of snow Thursday, shattering the one-day record of 50.8 cm set in 1944

Officials estimate it could take days to clear roads and runways of the more than 90 centimetres of snow that has fallen since late Wednesday.

Snowbanks are so high, plow drivers cannot see over them. Some snowdrifts are taller than fire trucks. Streets that are open are down to one centre lane. Pedestrians who are venturing out are following the wake of snowplows.

Photo gallery - Winter clobbers the Maritimes
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The major highways are down to one lane and New Brunswick is sending snowplows to help with the cleanup.

The province is lifting its ban on Sunday shopping for grocery stores from 1-6 p.m. so Nova Scotians can restock their shelves.

Hundreds of people are still without power, but officials are reluctant to set up emergency shelters.

"I think in 1957 there was a storm about half this size and we thought it was a big storm. But this, you know you can't do anything" Gerry Curry, Dartmouth

"Mostly we've just been huddling together for warmth with lots of blankets" Colleen Yule, without power in Iron Mines

"When delays of this type happen, it could cost several thousand dollars. But we have to deal with it financially, because it's pretty hard to deal with Mother Nature" Joe Capstick, trucking company owner in North Sydney

"The problem is if we set up shelters it would be to get people there. We're still in the state of emergency and we're asking all people to stay off the roads," says Mike LeRue, fire chief in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Nova Scotia Power says it may be Saturday before electricity is restored to everyone. Crews are having a difficult time reaching rural residents.

The Code Black remains in place for the entire province, meaning ambulances are responding to people with life-threatening injuries or illnesses first. Doctors and paramedics are screening 911 calls.

"We will respond if it's a life-threatening situation. We do have resources in place ... but for our members' safety, if you don't really need them please don't call," says RCMP Sgt. Wayne Noonan.

There were no reports of fatalities in the winter storm.

From Feb. 19, 2004 - Blizzard paralyses Nova Scotia
Environment Canada - Weather forecast for Nova Scotia
Government website - Highway web cameras
Halifax airport - Arrivals and departures

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