Snow begins to fall in Nova Scotia, most schools in the province closed

The first significant snowfall of the season began early Friday morning in Nova Scotia.

The first significant snowfall of the season began early Friday morning in Nova Scotia.

Snowfall warnings, which were put into effect Thursday afternoon by Environment Canada, remain in effect across the province.

All schools are closed for the day, except for those in the Strait Regional Centre for Education and in Cape Breton. However, schools in the town and county of Antigonish and in Guysborough County are dismissing students at noon due to the deteriorating weather.

The snow is expected to fall across most of the Maritimes, from west to east, Friday morning into mid-afternoon.

The snow will affect many motorists’ afternoon and evening commutes across Nova Scotia. CTV Atlantic meteorologist Kalin Mitchell says snowy roads may also be an issue in southern areas of New Brunswick and eastern Prince Edward Island Friday afternoon into the evening.

A northeast wind, with peak gusts of 30 to 50 km/h, will accompany the snow, which could blow it around and reduce visibility.

Areas of Yarmouth up Nova Scotia’s South Shore and into the metro Halifax area could see between 20 cm and 30 cm of snow. Much of the rest of Nova Scotia will see snow totals of 10 to 20 cm.