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All public schools across Prince Edward Island are opening one hour late on Wednesday as the Island’s first significant snowfall of the season continues to affect conditions.
The Public Schools Branch and the French-language school board say they will make a further announcement by 8 a.m.
A special weather statement from Environment Canada remains in effect for Queens and Prince counties, warning of snowfall and strong winds until Wednesday afternoon. The agency is forecasting up to about 10 centimetres of snow and northeasterly wind gusts reaching 80 km/h.
A snowfall warning is also in effect for Kings County. Environment Canada is forecasting about 15 centimetres of snow there until early Wednesday afternoon, with periods of mixed snow and rain possible.
“Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times. If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Prepare for possible disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities,” Environment Canada said in the warning for Kings County.
Significant snow is affecting parts of the Maritimes on Wednesday, including Prince Edward Island. (Tina Simpkin/CBC)
All provincial civil service offices Island-wide are opening on a delay until 9:30 a.m., with a further update expected by 8:30 a.m.
Charlottetown City Hall and its administrative offices are delaying opening until 9:30 a.m., with a further announcement to be made by 8:30 a.m.
UPEI is delaying opening until noon at both the Charlottetown and St. Peter’s Bay campuses, with a further update at 10 a.m. The AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital will remain open for emergencies.
Holland College is delaying the opening of the Tourism and Culinary Centre and the McMillan Centre for Community Engagement until 10:30 a.m., with another announcement to be made at 9 a.m.
Island Montessori Academy in Stratford and Cornwall will also delay opening until 9 a.m., with a further update at 8 a.m.
All Northumberland Ferries crossings between Caribou, N.S., and Wood Islands, P.E.I., have been cancelled for Wednesday.
Environment Canada says strong winds and heavy, wet snow could break tree branches and damage utility lines. The agency is advising Islanders to adjust their travel plans to avoid hazardous conditions.
