New Brunswick weather: Blizzard ending, clean-up begins
Environment Canada winter storm warning over, storm surge warnings still in effect
New Brunswickers are now digging out from a snowstorm that caused widespread closures across the province and accumulation of over 20 cm in some areas.
- CBC Storm Centre: The latest closures and cancellations
- PHOTO GALLERY: Photos of today's snowstorm
- Peter Coade's forecast for New Brunswick communities
- Atlantic winter weather causes widespread outages, cancellations
All of New Brunswick's seven school districts had cancelled classes because of the storm.
Roads across the province were in poor condition. The province's Emergency Measures Organization warned against "unnecessary travel" until after the storm passes.
The border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was closed briefly on Wednesday morning because of the snow.
By suppertime, most of the snowfall had finished, with several areas reporting over 20 cm in accumulation.
CBC meteorologist Kalin Mitchell reported that as of 7 p.m. unofficially, Fredericton had received 23 cm, Moncton 23 cm, Saint John 22 cm and Bathurst 7 cm.
Other estimates from around the province show Kouchibouguac reporting the highest amount, at 26.5 cm, Miramichi at 10.4 cm, Sussex at 13.9 cm and Edmundston at 5.6 cm.
Closures across province
The snowstorm forced many businesses and government offices to shut down or cut back on services.
Mail delivery was limited in most locations and many small post offices were closed. There was no delivery in Fredericton or Moncton.
All provincial government offices in Fredericton closed for the day due to the storm.
And the government of New Brunswick says Wednesday night's public dialogue session in Caraquet has been postponed.
Fredericton Transit also halted bus service on Wednesday morning because of the slick driving conditions created by the storm.
In Saint John, city worker Dan Edison was digging out the historic market, and felt that so far, winter has been easier than last year.
"It's not as much as I thought we were going to get," he said. "Temperatures are pretty mild, but of course it's not over yet. Hopefully it just doesn't repeat last year."
Storm surge warning
Environment Canada has issued a storm surge warning for eastern and northern New Brunswick, saying large waves are expected to impact the coast.
This system will develop a storm surge along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait coastlines which will combine with the high tide late this afternoon and this evening to give elevated water levels," read the statement. "Additionally rough and pounding surf is expected as a result of the strong northerly winds associated with this system. High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast. Coastal flooding is possible along the shoreline."