When should I shovel??

Timing the cleanup during and after winter storms is a challenge, especially with drifting and blowing snow or ice pellets and freezing rain adding to the mess.  For New Brunswick and PEI accumulation rates will slow down late this afternoon.

 Clearing the snow at that time will lessen the load tomorrow morning; but depending on your exposure, you have to expect a good deal of what you removed might have filled back in tomorrow morning.

In Nova Scotia ice pellets are adding to the weight of the snow.  Removal during heavy ice pellets will lighten the load for later… but ice pellets do sting your face.  Furthermore, the layer of ice pellets (especially if we get some freezing rain) that falls after the initial clearing can be tough to remove.  I’m planning to clear my driveway in Halifax later this afternoon, since the temperature will likely climb above zero this evening in Halifax, the South Shore and eastern NS and eastern PEI.

Your own plans will depend on when you need to drive or walk, your physical condition, the equipment you are using, and the local winds in your area. Regardless, take it easy and protect your back and your heart.