Island cleans up after snowstorm slams province

P.E.I. has begun cleaning up after a snowstorm walloped the province on Wednesday.

Snowplow operators worked well into theevening to clear main roads and side roads, said GarthGallant, adispatcher in West Prince.RCMPare urging motorists to use caution while out on the roads.

Flurries are expected to continue into Thursday afternoon before clearing in the evening, according to Environment Canada. The national weather service issued a winter weather warning for the province on Wednesday, calling for up to 30 centimetres of snow in some parts.

The biggest snowfall so far this winter was 15 centimetres on Jan. 1.

While things didn't come to a complete standstill on Wednesday, schools and government offices were closed as well as dozens of businesses.

The snow started to fall shortly after 7 a.m. in Charlottetown and, with the ground cold in 9 C temperatures, began to quickly accumulate.

Maritime Electric said there wereno power outages reportedbut crews wereon standby.

Several flights were cancelled at the Charlottetown Airport,includingflightsfrom Halifax,Montreal and Toronto.Maritime Bus runs to and from P.E.I. were also cancelled for the day.

Travelrestrictions were put in place on the Confederation Bridge for high-sided vehicles.

Canada Post did not deliver mail on P.E.I. because of the severe weather conditions.

"Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it issafe," a written release said, urging people to clear snow from their walkways and driveways for mail carriers.

'Definitely a win'

However, the weather kept crews preparing for this weekend's Jack FrostWinterfestbusy. The ice sculptors remained on the job at the Charlottetown Event with the opening day on Friday.

"This is perfect weather for sculpting," said Ian Drummond as he helped carve an ice throne. The snowfall is "definitely a win, brightens everything up," he said.

Temperatures were expectedto fall again overnight, dropping to about 7 C. CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland blowing snow to continue to be an issue Thursday morning, causing limited visibility on the roads.He also said high winds,creating gusts of up to 60 km/h, should also continue into Thursday morning, specifically over the Northumberland Strait.He advises anyone travelling off-Island to check Confederation Bridge advisories before heading out.

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