Last blast of winter as snowstorm hits Nova Scotia just ahead of spring

Universities, businesses and municipal buildings were closed or delayed opening across Nova Scotia on Friday as a snowstorm swept most of the province, a day before spring arrived.

A snowfall warning was in place for Halifax, Guysborough, Pictou, Antigonish and Colchester counties, as well as Cape Breton, where between five and 15 centimetres of snow could accumulate Friday.

The storm began early Friday morning, and periods of snow with falling temperatures should continue throughout the day, according to CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin.

On Friday afternoon, temperatures were expected to fall to -8 C with a wind chill near -20. Winds should gust to 50 km/h. 

Many municipal recreation facilities were reopening at 4 p.m. Friday. Residents were asked to call their local recreation centre for further information.

Many NSCC campuses, as well as Saint Mary's, Cape Breton, and St. Francis Xavier universities were closed for the day. Public school kids were already on March Break.

Various Halifax Transit routes were on snow plan throughout the day, so check online for more information.

In Halifax, garbage and recyclable collection scheduled for Friday were postponed until Saturday in various areas.

Collection services in the Upper Musquodoboit, Elmsvale, and Sheet Harbour (Watt Section included) communities began Friday morning, and should be done by the afternoon. Some side streets that were missed due to road conditions will be revisited on Monday.

The skies will become partly cloudy overnight, and flurries are possible where the winds blow onshore Friday evening. 

On Saturday the winds will turn southwest and bring back warmer air, Simpkin said in her Friday morning forecast.

The first day of spring on Saturday should have temperatures stretch into the double digits, with weather becoming "very quiet and warm," Simpkin said.

That pattern continues Sunday, with highs reaching 9-13 C.