Nova Scotians are reminded to check in on their neighbours, especially those who are elderly or with disabilities, following the severe winter storm.

“Most of the province was impacted by this winter storm causing road closures and power outages,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “All our key partners are working together including Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Nova Scotia Power Inc. and police services to help restore power and to re-open roads.

I want to add a special thank you to first responders and crews from Nova Scotia Power and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal who have been working diligently around the clock to help ensure Nova Scotians are safe.”

The province received a mixed bag of weather with more than 60 cm of snow along with strong winds gusting up to 120 km per hour, rain, freezing rain and frigid temperatures. The severe weather caused some road closures and power outages in various parts of the province.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will focus on getting 100-series highways, as well as main trunks and routes, opened and passable for traffic. It may be several days before local and gravel roads are plowed.

“The safety of Nova Scotians is our most important priority,” said Premier McNeil. “I encourage everyone to reach out to their loved ones and neighbours to help ensure that they are safe.”

The province is providing emergency support to first responders, including Emergency Health Services. Nova Scotians are asked to call 911 if a plow is needed to clear roads for emergency vehicles.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911. For non-emergency health advice call 811 to get trusted information from a registered nurse.

Nova Scotians who have or are still experiencing power outages can call 1-877-252-3663 with any questions regarding their food supply.

For road conditions, go to http://novascotia.ca/tran/winter/.

Source: Release