P.E.I. storm closes roads, bridges

Prince Edward Island was under storm surge, wind, and rainfall warnings throughout Tuesday, as several roads and smaller bridges closed across the province.

There were multiple reports of flooding across the province, restrictions were in place on the Confederation Bridge, and a wind turbine in the Hunter River area was bent in half.

High windscausedtrees to topple into the middle of roads and on top of parked cars and power lines.

Maritime Electric wasdealing with 5,800 customers without power at the peak of the outages.That number has fluctuated throughout the day, but mostly hovered at around 500 to 600.

Steve Loggie, vice-president of customer service for the utility, said the number was upand down all day.

"As quick as we'vebeen gettingpower on, we've had power coming off,"he said. "It seems like it has been two steps forward and three steps back at times."

Transportation and Public Works officials reported flooding in areas such as Brackley Beach, Rustico, Savage Harbour and Malpeque.

Crews shut down several roads and a number of bridges on the northern shore.

"We're seeing a number of areas where we'vehad to shut down structures to keep the travelling public safe," said Andrew Sprague, a spokesperson with the department.

The high winds have led to some restrictions on the Confederation Bridge.

Automobiles towing trailers, motorcycles, high-sided vehicles including trucks, tractor-trailers, recreational vehicles, and buses are not allowed on the bridge until further notice.

Transportation officials are asking drivers to use caution Tuesday night if they have to venture out at all.