DOT: Visbility Poor, Roads Snow Covered

It's a good old fashioned winter blizzard. The first storm of 2014 is packing a punch with more than 30cm of snow, white out conditions and localized flooding in some communities. It has led to cancellations closures and dangerous conditions on the highway. Steve MacIsaac of the Department of Transportation says the ploughs are out in full force and their crews are attempting to keep things running.



Environment Canada says the heavy snow should ease up this evening but the windy conditions will continue. Meanwhile, temperatures are brutally cold. The weather agency says the wind chill will make it feel like -28 this evening.

QMJHL: Mooseheads Match Postponed

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League contest scheduled for tonight in Halifax has been postponed. The Mooseheads were slated to host the Charlottetown Islanders. A makeup date will be announced at a later date.

Curling: Provincial Men's Qualifer Underway

Today's storm hasn't stopped the Provincial Mens Curling Qualifier at the Dartmouth Club. Nineteen teams are battling for five spots in the upcoming Molson Coors Tankard in Halifax. After three draws, eight teams remain unbeaten, including Allan O'Leary, Chad Stevens, Ian Fitzner-LeBlanc, and Mark Dacey. Action continues through Sunday.

Former Premier Says Bowater Closure Was One Of His Darkest Hours

The closure of the Bowater mill near Liverpool in 2012 and the loss of hundreds of jobs was a dark time for former Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter.  In his first media interview since his October election defeat, Dexter tells CKBW and HANK-FM News, he saw the writing on the wall long before the shutdown but hoped the paper industry would turn around.  However, it didn't and Dexter says his next move was to seek certain guarantees.



Recently back from vacation down south, the former premier says he's ready to begin the next chapter in his life, possibly working in economic development with the Region of Queens, where he grew up. As for his re-election campaign back in the fall, Dexter says it was efficient, well-managed and he doesn't harbour any grudges against the Liberals and Tories in helping defeat his party.

Former Premier Looks Back & To The Future

 Former Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter says he has no regrets!  In his first media interview since his election defeat in October, the former premier tells CKBW and HANK-FM News, he's proud of the work his NDP government did in trying to improve the economy over 4 and a half years.  Dexter says his re-election campaign was efficient and well-run. However, he says there was a change in the mood of the electorate sweeping the province, fueled by the opposition parties.



Recently back from vacation down south, the former premier says he's now ready to begin the next chapter in his life!  He tells us he's ready to put his experience over 4 and a half years to work to help in the economic development of the South Shore.



Dexter says he has no regrets and doesn't harbour any grudges against the Liberals and Tories in helping defeat his party at the polls.

Bridgewater Man Facing 9th Alcohol Related Driving Conviction

Bridgewater Police are charging a man in what could turn out to be his ninth conviction for driving while impaired. Police say they pulled over a car January 2 on Aberdeen Road in Bridgewater. Kevin Wheaton was arrested at the scene and charged with impaired driving anf driving while his license was suspended. The 49 year-old is currently being held at the Burnside Correctional Facility. If found guilty, it would be his ninth conviction for an alcohol related driving offense. He's due back in court January 6.

Oil Spill Detected In Milton Being Cleaned Up

Nova Scotia Power is testing some water wells in Queens County after a late December oil spill. "Nova News Now" was first to report the story. The spill was detected at a substation owned by Nova Scotia Power in the Milton area. It's not known exactly when it happened, but it's believed about 5,000 litres of crude was spilled. The company is working with the Department of Environment to ensure the site is properly remediated and fully cleaned up. The contaminated soil is being taken for disposal. A few people live around the substation, but its not believed they will be impacted or see any affects by the spill. Nova Scotia Power is testing the wells as a safety measure.

Another Gas Price Hike This Morning

Gas prices have increased overnight at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve up almost 2 cents to $1.35.8 a litre. High test is now $1.44.8. Diesel also up in price this morning.

Storm Far From Over

Local police and the RCMP are warning drivers to stay off the highways today. As yet another snowstorm blows through the region, driving is dangerous. They're snow covered with icy patches underneath. Environment Canada says the worst is yet to come, with another 10 to 20 centimetres of snow expected today along the South Shore mixed with strong winds and causing whiteout conditions. There are no power outages to report. However, there are flight delays and cancellations at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Also, numerous government offices and businesses are closed today. So are the NSCC campuses in the area.