PEI·Storm Centre

Roads 'very poor' Saturday as first significant storm of season hits P.E.I.

Residents of Prince Edward Island woke up to their first significant snowfall Saturday morning with more expected throughout the day.

Up to 20 centimetres possible in some areas, Environment Canada says

Bicycle locked to rack with snow on ground outside Charlottetown Airport.
There was just one cancellation at Charlottetown Airport, though whoever owns this bicycle could have some travel issues. (Shane Ross/CBC)

Residents of Prince Edward Island experienced their first significant snowfall of the season Saturday.

The Island remained under a winter storm warning with blowing winds and up to 20 centimetres of snow possible by the evening, according to Environment Canada. That is down from an earlier forecast calling for up to 25 centimetres. 

Shortly before 3 p.m., RCMP reported roads on the Island to be "very poor" and said that several cars have gone off the road.

The storm caused the cancellation of all ferry crossings between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., on Saturday.

Passengers getting off airplane in snowy conditions.
Passengers were greeted with stormy conditions as they disembarked an Air Canada plane Saturday evening at Charlottetown Airport. (Steve Bruce/CBC)

The weather caused one cancellation at Charlottetown Airport. The 1:17 p.m. Porter flight from Ottawa was diverted to Quebec City. The three Air Canada flights arrived.

The Confederation Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles for much of the day, but by 5 p.m. was reopened to all traffic.

UPEI's Charlottetown and St. Peter's Bay campuses were closed for the day.

University of Prince Edward Island sign with snow on ground.
The University of Prince Edward Island was closed for the day. (Shane Ross/CBC)

The Atlantic Veterinary College teaching hospital remained open for emergencies.

Both the Simmons Sports Centre and Cody Banks Arena in Charlottetown were closed, as was Credit Union Place in Summerside.

Grocery stores and pharmacies remained open.

Overnight parking bans are in effect for both Charlottetown and Summerside.

Blue swing hanging from birch tree.
This swing on Queen Street in Charlottetown wasn't getting much use on Saturday. (Shane Ross/CBC)
Vehicle with snow on windshield.
Islanders were getting their scrapers out Saturday morning, with up to 20 centimetres of snow expected to fall. (Shane Ross/CBC)