Heavy snowstorm hits parts of Canada

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Travel throughout Canada's Maritime provinces was nearly impossible Thursday as heavy snowfall and winds struck the region, authorities say.

While authorities issued travel warnings for all potential drivers in provinces like Prince Edward Island, a number of regional flights and New Year's Day celebrations were canceled due to the inclement weather, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said.

The near-zero visibility in the Maritimes Thursday even prevented many snowplows from cleaning up the heavy snowfall as the emergency vehicles were pulled from area roads.

Parts of the Maritimes are expected to get nearly 16 inches of snow minimum, forecasters said.

Environment Canada meteorologist Ted McIldoon has warned that the Gulf of St. Lawrence could endure storm surges as winds of up to 62 mph are predicted for the area.

A spokeswoman for Nova Scotia Power told the CBC that emergency crews were on hand to fix any power outages caused by the weather, but she warned heavy winds could delay such efforts.