Up to 150 centimeters of snow could accumulate in Nova Scotia, where a snowstorm has been raging since Friday. On the other side of the continent, in California, icy rain, floods and gusts lead to a state of emergency.
The municipality of Cape Breton, in the far east of Nova Scotia, declared a state of emergency to deal with the significant accumulation of snow in the region. By Sunday morning, between 50 and 80 centimeters of snow had already fallen in the area.
The stationary low continued throughout the day on Sunday, culminating in greater intensity. Snowflakes are expected to continue to fall through Monday. In Cape Breton, up to 150 centimeters of snow could therefore accumulate in total. Elsewhere in Nova Scotia, precipitation bringing between 50 and 100 centimeters of snow is forecast.
Faced with this extreme weather event, schools were closed and the municipality of Cape Breton declared a state of emergency on Sunday. Residents are encouraged to shovel their driveways to allow emergency vehicles to arrive, if necessary. The ventilation channels should also be free of snow. Shelters were opened when necessary for the population. The municipality’s priority is to clear the roads to allow the movement of emergency vehicles and essential workers, she indicated on Facebook.
Environment Canada is warning of dangerous winter conditions for Nova Scotia, but also Prince Edward Island, part of New Brunswick and the Magdalen Islands. Intense accumulations of snow, blowing snow, and reduced visibility on the roads are expected.
California underwater
Meanwhile, another powerful winter storm has hit the US west coast since Thursday, bringing icy rain and gusty winds. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight districts across the state on Sunday, including Los Angeles.
PHOTO AUDE GUERRUCCI, REUTERS
Water and mud flow down a street amid heavy rain in Malibu, California.
“Storms can change quickly, but let me be clear: this storm is a serious weather event,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a press briefing. “This has the potential to be a historic storm – with high winds, thunderstorms and even brief tornadoes,” she added, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Since Thursday, heavy rain has been accumulating in California, in what is called an atmospheric river. Flood and flash flood warnings are in effect in several areas.
The storm is particularly affecting Los Angeles, where the Grammy Awards gala is being held on Sunday evening.