Up to 45 cm of snow expected in Nova Scotia as winter storm arrives Friday
We’re in for a blast of winter today, with much of the region facing heavy snowfall. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Pictou County as we’ll see heavy snow starting early this afternoon. 10 to 15cm of snow is expected in our area through this afternoon, and then another 10 to 15cm tonight. In total, we could see upwards of 45cm of snow with this storm system before it passes through Saturday. Blowing snow will be an issue as well with winds gusting north to 60 by late this afternoon and then up to 90kh near midnight. Environment Canada says most of Nova Scotia can expect up to 40 centimetres of snow and wind gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour starting today and moving into tomorrow.
NSP Activating Emergency Operations Centre this morning
Nova Scotia Power is activating its Emergency Operations Centre at 10am today in advance of the winter storm. The forecasts are calling for heavy, wet snow and high winds, and Nova Scotia Power is expecting the storm to cause power outages across the province. Power line crews and forestry teams are being positioned across the province so they are ready to respond as safely and quickly as possible.
N.S. reports 745 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday
On Thursday, Nova Scotia reported 745 new cases of COVID-19. There are 459 new cases in Central Zone, 128 cases in Eastern Zone, 95 cases in Western Zone and 63 cases in Northern Zone. There are 48 people in hospital with nine in ICU. Their ages range from 26 to 94 years old, and the average age is 68. Of the 48 in hospital, 44 were admitted during the Omicron wave.
The Canadian Red Cross has been called in to help the Nova Scotia government with its COVID-19 booster shot campaign. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says the federal government has approved his request for help, saying a couple dozen people are expected to arrive in the province over the coming weeks. Houston says they will be in the province to help immunize people and set up a clinic.
Visitor restrictions in Nova Scotia Health facilities were put in place Wednesday. Those restrictions are in place at most sites in Nova Scotia Health’s Northern Zone however, beginning today, inpatients and long-term care residents at the some sites are not able to receive visitors due to COVID-19 activity and/or staffing requirements. One of those sites is Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital – Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou. Each resident in the facility will be permitted to have two designated caregivers visit to provide mental and physical support whenever possible based on operational situations. Exceptions may be made for palliative care patients, patients receiving Medical Assistance in Dying and other patients nearing end of life in consultation with their care team.
Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) charge three with drug offences
On Thursday, the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, with help from Stellarton Police, arrested three people in regards to a drug investigation it was leading. A man and woman were arrested in a vehicle where police later located a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, cellular telephones, a digital scale, a prohibited weapon as well as ammunition. Police also arrested another man who they say was close by and in possession of a quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. As a result, a 32-year old man and 31-year old woman are facing several drugs and weapons related charges. A 25-year old man is facing drug charges.
RCMP charge Antigonish woman with attempted murder
RCMP have charged a woman with attempted murder after a stabbing on College St. in Antigonish. Late Monday night, police were called to an assault alleged to have occurred between two groups of people. When they arrived, police found a 21-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance. Two people were arrested at the scene. Through the investigation, police determined there was no evidence to support charges against one of those arrested, a 27-year-old man, and he was released from custody. 30-year old Cassandra Jane Desmond, of Antigonish, has been charged with Attempted Murder. She has been released on conditions and will return to Antigonish Provincial Court on January 26th.
Province seeks feedback on Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act
The Nova Scotia government is asking for feedback on legislation that came into effect almost four years ago to help protect victims of cyberbullying and the unwanted sharing of intimate images. A review of the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act is required every four years. An online survey launched today and submissions can also be made by email, mail and phone with a deadline of January 28th. The act provides victims with options to deal with individuals who want to cause them harm online, including getting protection orders to stop the activity and seeking compensation.
Fuel prices up in N.S.
Gasoline and diesel prices both rose overnight in Nova Scotia. Gas prices went up by 2.2 cents per litre, and that puts the cost of regular self-serve gas at 140.6 cents per litre locally. Diesel prices increased by 3.1 cents per litre to 143.9 cents per litre in our area..
Sports note:
With the current restrictions surrounding sports and recreation in the region, the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) is now targeting February 2nd to restart the 2021-22 regular season. A revised schedule is in development.
