ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Canadian provinces along the Atlantic Ocean bore the brunt of a winter storm that knocked out power across Newfoundland, forecasters said.
Officials said many places in Newfoundland were without power Saturday after a blizzard that moved through the U.S. eastern seaboard earlier blew through eastern Canada, CBC News reported.
St. John's Mayor Dennis O'Keefe told CBC he was told "most, if not all, of the city has lost its power."
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro said the severe weather sparked a fire that led to a shutdown at the Holyrood Generating Station, causing the widespread power outages.
O'Keefe urged people to use "common sense" when deciding whether to travel.
"If you don't have to be on the road, don't be on the road, and give the crews that are out working against the snow and against the wind a chance to make some headway," he said.
Weather forecasters said Saturday Newfoundland and Labrador received about 15 inches of snow.
St. John's International Airport said many of its flights were either canceled or delayed. Officials said public transportation was severely curtailed.
Residents in Moncton, New Brunswick, were warned to make sure snow was cleared from roofs and vents, CBC said. Officials said 31 inches accumulated during the past two weeks.
Weather officials in Saturday canceled an extreme cold alert that had been in effect since Wednesday in Toronto.
A warm-up is expected to begin Sunday for the region, followed by rain, windy and mild conditions Monday.
