This was a big storm! 45cm has fallen and 10-12 more may fall, which would bring us to double a normal heavy storm. This is so far beyond normal that HRM will not be able to meet our normal snow service standards.  Clean-up operations will take several days.  Basically add at least 24 hours to normal snow clearing timelines.

You can read the detailed release from HRM but here (http://www.halifax.ca/snow/update.php) are the coles notes:

• Municipal offices, rec centres will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 14) though all essential services including 311 and snow operations continue.
• Halifax Transit plans to resume ferry service beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 (this is an estimated time!)
• Bus service is targeted to resume operations at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 (this is an estimated time.
• It is anticipated that the worst winds are actually coming around midnight
• Warming centres will likely open sometime tomorrow in communities and neighbourhoods where power has been out for 24 hours
• There will be no garbage, recycles of green cart collection again tomorrow

Right now the conditions of residential roads and side streets is so still snow covered that it won’t be safe (or in some cases possible!) to drive to work tomorrow.  I just was on Robie and there was a snowbank uninterrupted from Cunard to Wellsford across Compton and other side streets!

So we are going see staff and contractors work hard overnight to finish push back on main roads, making room to clear transit stops and sidewalks.  At that point big gear will move to side streets.

If you are going to work tomorrow or taking transit, travel with extra caution, wear high-visibility clothing, and be aware that conditions on sidewalks and bus stops will not be fully accessible for several days.

Please call 311 for routine municipal matters, call 911 for an emergency involving life or death, and don’t hesitate to call me at 902.430.7822 or email me here if I can help.

Thanks,

Waye