Snow, High Winds Closes Schools

Tricky driving conditions are the norm this morning in many areas of the South Shore. About 11-thousand people lost electricity in Nova Scotia early today. Most of those outages are in Digby, Kings and Yarmouth counties. Winds whipping up to 90 kilometres per mixed in with some snow has reduced visibility and caused snow drifts in some areas. It's forced officials with the South Shore Regional School Board and Tri-County Regional School Board to cancel classes for the day. Also, NSCC campus in Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth are closed for the day.The forecast calls for highs wind and blowing snow to continue until about mid-day. Winds are expected to taper off near noon.

Bailey Notches First 'Q' Goal In Moose Win

A memorable day for a South Shore hockey player as the Halifax Mooseheads dumped the PEI Rocket 5-2 Sunday on the island. Playing in just his second league contest, Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey notched his first career "Q" goal. The win was the third in as many days for the red-hot Herd.

Weekend Fires Leave 11 Temporarily Homeless

Two weekend fires in southwestern Nova Scotia have left 11 people homeless. In a media release, the Canadian Red Cross says a woman and six children in Wedgeport lost most of their belonging in a fire on Saturday afternoon. The children ranging in age between 4 and 17 all escaped unhurt. The other fire occurred Friday afternoon in Lockeport. The agency indicates a home belonging to a couple and their two children was significantly damaged. The causes have not been officially released. No injuries were reported in either fire. 

Yarmouth Man Arrested & Charged After Evading Police

A 26 year-old man faces multiple charges of impaired driving and possession of a stolen vehicle after an incident yesterday in Lunenburg County. Police say they were notified mid afternoon Saturday of a possible impaired driver in a stolen vehicle moving along Highway 103. RCMP say they arrested the man after he tried to evade police and got the truck stuck in the woods around Jungle Road and River Road. The Yarmouth man is facing seven charges including dangerous driving, flight from police, impaired driving and possession of a stolen vehicle. The accused is set to appear before a judge Monday in Bridgewater.

Jacks Fall On Milestone Night For Crawley

A milestone night in Amherst for Michael Crawley as the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks fell 5-2 to the Ramblers. Crawley's third period goal was his 200th point in his 200th career MHL game. Jared Dodman had the other marker for the Jacks who were outshot 44-40. Bridgewater visit Metro on Tuesday with a chance to clinch a playoff spot

QMJHL: Surging Herd Remain Hot

In "Q" action the Halifax Mooseheads doubled Shawinigan 6-3 last night at the Metro Centre. Tonight, a sellout crowd is expected in Halifax, as the Moose welcome the Moncton Wildcats.

Dieppe Drop 'Jacks In Blowout Loss

An embarrassing home loss for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks as they got drilled 11-1 by Dieppe. The Commandos led 3-1 early in the second before scoring eight unanswered goals. Jared Dodman had the lone marker for the Jacks who travel to Amherst tonight.

School Board Facing Third Straight Year Of Budget Cuts

The South Shore Regional School Board is bracing for their third straight year of budget cuts. The board was hit with a 1.5 per cent reduction from the province earlier this week, resulting in a loss of $995,200. Officials also estimate 1.2 per cent for wage increases and cost of living increases including fuel and electricity. Those targets are expected to be $850,000. That's a loss of over $1.8-million. Last year, the budget was reduced by $1.4-million and in 2011-12, the budget was cut by $2.7-million. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says it's a difficult situation to be in.



The board is facing declining enrollment, which could have resulted in a greater funding reduction but the province set a cap at 1.5 per cent. Pynch-Worthylake says it will be extremely difficult to meet the budget target without reducing staff.

Hank Snow Tribute Returning To Queens

Organizers of this summer's Hank Snow Tribute are celebrating today after confirming the event will head back to Liverpool. The Friends of Hank Snow Society say the Tribute will be headlined by Canada's Queen of Country Music, Carroll Baker and Ryan Cook will act as the honorary chair. The event is planned for August 15-18. Co-Chair of the Tribute, Charlotte White, says it should help boost tourism to the area.



The Tribute has been held in Bridgewater at the South Shore Exhibition for the last number of years. Dozens of bands are expected to play at the event, which includes an open mic show and song writer's circle. Early bird tickets are available at the Hank Snow Museum or by visiting here .

Ice Sharks Host Third Annual Shootout Tourney

The South Shore Atom 'AAA' Sharks host the third annual shoot-out tournament this weekend. The Sharks, along with 11 other teams from places like Truro, Cape Breton, Yarmouth and Antigonish are participating in the event. Games begin this morning at 10 and will be held in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Chester. All semi-final, consolation and championship games are planned for Sunday in Lunenburg. A full schedule is below.


3rd. Annual South Shore Atom AAA Shark Shoot-out 2013 Tournament Schedule
Teams
Division A Division B
1. South Shore Ice Sharks 7. TASA
2. Truro 8. Antigonish
3. Halifax 9. Cape Breton West
4. Glace Bay Miners 10. Bedford
5. Sherwood Falcons (PEI) 11. Kent South Flames (NB)
6. Western Valley         12. Yarmouth


Friday Feb. 15th. (All Friday Games are 3-12 minute periods)
Lunenburg Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
10:00am. 5 South Shore vs. Western Valley 1
11:15am. 4 Truro vs. Sherwood 3
12:30pm. 5 Halifax vs. Glace Bay 1
1:45pm. 4 South Shore vs. Sherwood 3
4:00pm. 5 Truro vs. Glace Bay 1
5:15pm. 4 Halifax vs. Western Valley 3
6:30pm. 5 Antigonish vs. Yarmouth 1

Bridgewater Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
2:00pm. 1 Cape Breton vs. Antigonish 4
3:15pm. 2 TASA vs. Kent Flames 3
4:30pm. 1 Cape Breton vs. Bedford 4

Chester Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
10:00am. 1 Yarmouth vs. TASA 4
11:15am. 2 Bedford vs. Kent Flames 3




Saturday Feb. 16th. (ALL Remaining games are at the Lunenburg Arena)
ALL Saturday Games, including the Quarter-Finals are 3-12 minute periods
Times RM. Teams RM.
8:00am. 5 Antigonish vs. Kent 1
9:15am. 4 Truro vs. Western Valley 3
10:30am. 5 South Shore vs. Glace Bay 1
11:45am. 4 Sherwood vs. Halifax 3
1:00pm. 5 Bedford vs. Yarmouth 1
2:15pm. 4 Cape Breton vs. TASA 3

Quarter-Finals (Top 4 Teams of Division A & B go to the Quarter-Finals)
Game # Times RM. Teams RM.
19 3:45pm. 5 Team 1A vs. Team 4A 1
20 5:00pm. 4 Team 2A vs. Team 3A 3
21 6:15pm. 5 Team 1B vs. Team 4B 1
22 7:30pm. 4 Team 2B vs. Team 3B 3

Sunday Feb. 17th. Semi-Finals, Consolation Games & Finals

Consolation Games (All Consolation Games are 3-12 Minute Periods)
Games Times RM. Teams RM.
S1 Consolation Semi’s 8:00am. 5 A5 vs. B6 1
S2 Consolation Semi’s 9:20am. 4 A6 vs. B5 3

Consolation Final
Times RM. Teams RM.
2:00pm. 5 WS1 vs. WS2 1


Championship Games (All Championship Games are 3-15 Minute Periods)
Games Times RM. Teams RM.
23 Semi-Final #1 10:40am. 5 WG19 vs. WG22 1
24 Semi-Final #2 12:20pm. 4 WG20 vs. WG21 3

Championship Game

3:30pm. RM. 4 WG23 vs. WG24 RM. 3

Clippers Sweep Fundy; Await Semi-Final Opponent

The Chester Clippers have clinched a spot in the Nova Scotia Junior 'C' hockey semi-finals. Jeremy Church and Ryan Horsman each scored three goals as the Clippers skated to a 10-1 win over the Fundy Phantoms last night in Brookfield, sweeping the best-of-five series, 3-0. Scott MacSween added two goals while Jack Strowbridge and Mathieu Bourgeois each scored once. Ben Bailey recorded the win in goal for Chester. The semi-finals are scheduled to begin February 23rd in Chester. The club's semi-final opponent has yet to be determined.

Bridgewater High Hosts Division-Two Hoops Regionals

Bridgewater High School is hosting the senior boys' division-two basketball regionals over the next two days. The local club will host Middleton at 5pm this evening. The other semi-final pits Central Kings against Kings Edgehill at 7pm. Play continues at noon Saturday with the consolation game and championship at 2:00. Middleton hosts provincials in two weeks time. The two highest teams from this weekend's regional's will advance.

Jacks' Look To Clinch Postseason Berth

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will try to make it back to back wins tonight when they welcome the Dieppe Commandos. The Bridgewater club has been off since an impressive 5-2 victory over Campbellton eight days ago. The Jacks can officially punch their playoff ticket this weekend. A win tonight combined with a Metro loss tomorrow in Truro would clinch a post-season berth for the locals. The Lumberjacks and Dieppe hook up tonight at 7 at the Bridgewater Arena.

Radiothon Another Huge Success

It was another huge success. The Health Services Foundation along with CKBW and HANK FM helped raise more than $66,000 towards new ventilators for the local health authority.The foundations, Bernadette Jordan says members aren't getting hung up on falling short of their goal of raising $80,000. She says they will look at others ways to make up the $14,000 needed to purchase the new ventilators.




Yesterday's, radiothon at the South Shore Regional Hospital was the third annual.

Town Pre-Approves $7,000 For Growing Green Festival

A festival entering its fifth year has received pre-approval of funds from the town of Bridgewater. The Growing Green event has been a fixture in the community since 2008, though no event was held in 2009. The town pre-approved $7,000 for the festival. Funding for the event has grown each year since it was held. It's information that hasn't gone unnoticed by Mayor David Walker.



Festival co-chair Patrick Hirtle says he appreciates the help the town provides. However, he says the festival is growing and provides a unique opportunity for the town.


Hirtle suggests if funding is scaled back, they would have to change their approach and what could be offered at the event. The two-day festival is usually held in the summer and features events across the county.

School Board Bracing For Cuts In 2013-14

The South Shore Regional School Board received some unwelcome news today from the Education Minister. Ramona Jennex says school boards will get $1.047 billion in 2013-2014, $3-million more than they received this year. However, Jennex revealed the local board is facing a reduction. She says the province is cutting 1.5% of funding from the South Shore, resulting in a $995,000 loss. Jennex blamed declining student enrollment for the cuts. It's still too early to tell how the cuts will affect the board.

Clippers Dominate Phantoms For 2-0 Series Lead

The Chester Clippers downed the Fundy Phantoms 12-2 last night to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five Nova Scotia Junior 'C' Hockey League quarter-final series. Alex Armstrong notched three goals, while Scott MacSween also added a pair. Scoring single goals for the Clippers was Ryan Horsman, Luc Way, Kyle Dilosa, Jack Strowbridge, Mathieu Bourgeois, Josh Thompson and Jeremy Church. Chester's Doug Barrier stopped 24 shots in the win, and was relieved by affiliate goalie Daniel Lohnes in the third period who stopped three shots. Chester outshot Fundy 56-29. Game three goes tonight at 9pm at the Don Henderson Sportsplex in Brookfield.

Chester: Council Works On Climate Change Action Plan

The Municipality of Chester is in the midst of a rigorous pre-planning process to mitigate the effects of climate change on its coastal communities. Councillors and staff are working to create a Climate Change Action Plan as mandated by the Federal Government in order to access funding known as "Gas Tax". The funding is administered through Infrastructure Canada and helps municipalities pay for various public projects such a improving drinking water and upgrades to waste water treatment. Warden Allen Webber says they are taking a proactive approach with long term planning in mind.



The plan will focus on expectations the sea level will rise and the area will be hit by harsher weather patterns in the coming decades. Councillors are mulling over a draft plan presented to them earlier this month. The plan is due on the federal government's desk before the end of this year.

Bridgewater: Outdoor Rinks May Be Cancelled

The plan to have two outdoor rinks at Kinsmen Field in Bridgewater may be falling through the cracks. Councillor Andrew Tanner says volunteers have had a difficult time trying to build the rinks while dealing with adverse weather and warm temperatures. Tanner says the winter weather hasn't co-operated.



The Bridgewater Fire Department tried on three separate occasions to fill the rinks, but have been unsuccessful. He says it's upsetting because the rinks have been well-utilized by the public in the past. Tanner says they will continue to bank on cold weather for the rinks to be built, but adds, right now the outlook doesn't look good.

'One Billion Rising' Events Planned For Lunenburg County

A campaign to end violence against women and girls will be held on two fronts Thursday in Lunenburg County. Second Story Women's Centre is promoting 'One Billion Rising', a global day of awareness for people to demand change, dance and rise in defiance of the injustices women suffer. The movement serves as a call to action based on the statistic that one in three women will be beaten or raped in their life. Board of Directors member, Helen Lanthier, says they hope the day will make a difference.



The towns of Bridgewater and Lunenburg have both proclaimed Thursday as a day of awareness and action regarding violence against women. The public is invited to attend events in those areas beginning at 10am at the Lunenburg Community Centre or 12:30pm at the Bridgewater Public Library.

Third Annual Radiothon Hits Airwaves Feb.14

Final preparations are underway before the start of the third annual "Gift For The Heart" radiothon for the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. Staff from CKBW/HANK-FM will be broadcasting live from the regional hospital in Bridgewater to help the foundation reach their fundraising goal of $80,000. This year, money is being raised to buy two new ventilators. Bernadette Jordan says they're critical pieces of equipment.



The broadcast begins at 8am Thursday and goes until 6pm.

Clippers Host Fundy For Game Two

The Chester Clippers and Fundy Phantoms will finally play game two of their playoff series in a late night affair in Chester. Game two has been rescheduled a number of times due to weather conditions over the weekend. The league did decide to award Chester a forfeit win, but rescinded the move. Game two gets underway at 10pm tonight at the Eleanor Pew-Morris Arena.

Passion Runs Deep During Pentz School Review Hearing

Roughly 50 people filled the Pentz Elementary School gym last night for the first public hearing in this year's school review process. About 20 of them, many who were parents of students or attended the school at some point, highlighted their concerns if the school were to close. Residents pointed out how important Pentz Elementary is to the community, the school's high academic standing and its family-like atmosphere. Paul Kelley has a son in grade two. He says the school is exceptional.



Meanwhile, Study Committee Chair Sherry Doucet says it will be tough to adjust if the school is closed.



Doucet says she thought it was a good discussion and realizes the tough decision ahead for the South Shore Regional School Board. Members were in attendance to gather feedback. They will make a decision on each of the six schools under review at a public board meeting March 27. The next public hearing is planned for February 18 at 6:30pm at Hebbville Academy.

No Events Scheduled To Mark Town's 114th Birthday

Happy 114th Birthday today to the town of Bridgewater. Mayor David Walker reminded the public of the milestone during Monday night's council meeting. No celebrations are planned for this year. But, Walker says something could be in the works for 2014.



In January 1899, an event known as the "Big Fire" completely destroyed the downtown core of Bridgewater. One month later, the community came together as an incorporated town.

Mustangs Eliminated From Playoffs

The South Shore Mustangs have been swept out of the playoffs. The first-place Valley Wildcats proved to be too much for the young club as the Cats defeated the Mustangs 6-1 last night to wrap up their best-of-seven series in four straight. Alex Nauss had the lone South Shore goal while Cole Skinner stopped 40 shots in the loss. Valley will play the lowest seed remaining in the next round of the playoffs.

Bantam Hurricanes Shutout By Halifax

The BMO Western Hurricanes suffered a rare road loss last night as they dropped a 3-0 decision to the Halifax Hawks. Colby Muise stopped 23 shots in goal. The Hurricanes remain second in the major bantam standings, one point behind the Breton Sport Cougars. The club is back on the ice beginning Friday night when they travel to Pictou County for the Scotsburn Memorial tournament.

Mooseheads Blast Rocket 7-0 In Bailey's Debut

The Halifax Mooseheads certainly didn't look out of place without star forward Nathan MacKinnon. The Herd blasted the PEI Rocket 7-0 last night at the Metro Centre. Jonathan Drouin notched a hat-trick including goals each on the powerplay, even-strength and shorthanded. Zachary Fucale stopped 30 shots for the shutout. MacKinnon is expected to miss up to two weeks with a leg injury. Meanwhile, Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey also dressed for the Mooseheads last night. It was his first game with the big club since he was acquired at the trade deadline.

Bailey Cracks Moose Lineup, Playing Tonight Against PEI

A Lunenburg County native is suiting up with the Halifax Mooseheads tonight for the first time. Brennan Bailey has cracked the herd's lineup for this evening's home contest against the PEI Rocket. The 19-year-old was acquired by the Moose at the trade deadline from the Pictou County Weeks Crushers of the MHL. In a text message, Bailey says he's both nervous and excited to dawn the Mooseheads jersey. He says he will wear #6 while manning the blue line during tonight's game. Puck drop is at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Bridgewater Police Arrest Man On Outstanding Warrant

Bridgewater Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a home invasion in Lunenburg County. Constable Will Creamer says 27-year-old Stephen Heisler was taken into custody Sunday in Bridgewater. The home invasion occurred last July. The man also had a warrant out for his arrest for assault causing bodily harm. Heisler has been remanded into custody and will appear in Bridgewater court tomorrow.

Queens Skate Park Group 'Overwhelmed' By Council Support

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in support is music to the ears of the Queens County Skate Park Association. The group received $200,000 from Region of Queens council along with $35,000 worth of land. However, it does come with some stipulations including construction to start before July 1, 2016 and the group needs to collect at least 90 per cent of the money needed before it can start building. Vice-President of the Association, Ian Kent, says he's in favour of the guidelines.



Kent says the group is overwhelmed with the support from council. The 20,000 square feet of land designated for the future skate park is located near the Queens Place-Emera Centre. The total project is expected to cost roughly $780,000. The group has applied for a provincial health and wellness grant and held local fundraisers to try and gather further funding towards the project.

Mustangs Face Must-Win Scenario Against Valley

It's win or go home tonight for the South Shore Mustangs. The local major midget hockey club must win this evening to stay alive in their best-of-seven series with the Valley Wildcats. The top-ranked Valley club holds a 3-0 series advantage. The two teams square off at 7:30 tonight at the Bridgewater Arena.

Bounty Hearing Begins In Virginia

A nine-day probe into the sinking of the Lunenburg-built HMS Bounty begins today in Portsmouth, Virginia. The U.S. Coast Guard is convening the hearing after the ship took on water off the coast of North Carolina last October, killing two crew. The coast guard rescued 14 crew members after they abandoned the ship in two life-rafts. The hearing is set to run until February 21st.

Chester Man And Woman Appear In Liverpool Court

A man and woman from Chester will appear in Liverpool court this morning on various possession and trafficking charges. Twenty-nine-year-old Brendan Gregory Levy and 27-year-old Jennifer Andrea Corkum were arrested last week during a vehicle stop near Exit 8 on Highway 103. Lunenburg County RCMP seized crack cocaine during the arrest and also found marihuana and prescription drugs during a search of a home on Collicutt Road in Chester. Police also seized other items at the home in connection with the investigation. The two accused will both be in court at 9:30.

Chester: Tax Bill Waived For Hubbards Yacht Club

Chester council has awarded a tax exemption to the Hubbards Yacht Club. The Yacht Club has been in existence since 1967 and provides a youth sailing program for young people in the Hubbards and Chester areas. Deputy Warden Floyd Shatford says it's important to support these types of initiatives in the municipality.



Members of the club are settling into their new facility in Fox Point which just opened last summer. The building is used for classroom instruction, meetings, community events and boat storage. The club's tax bill for the year was nearly $7,000. The request was given unanimous approval.

Park View Girls Curling Team Qualify For Provincials

The Park View girls curling team has qualified for the provincials. The team, skipped by Raquel Bachman, won the Western Regions NSSAF Curling Championship in Bridgewater today defeating Forest Heights 8-5. Bachman's team will now compete against the best in the province from March 21-23 in Chester. Forest Heights is hosting the event.

NSP: Satisfied With Weekend Storm Response

A spokeswoman for Nova Scotia Power says the South Shore gave them the most challenges over the weekend. Neera Ritcey says Yarmouth, Shelburne and Barrington were the hardest to deal with because of the wind and type of outages. She says some of the power restorations in those areas were slowed down due to the bad weather and travel restrictions. Overall though, Ritcey feels the utility responded well to the conditions.



She says crews worked round the clock to try and restore power to about 250 residents in the Shelburne-area overnight Saturday. Ritcey says NSP will continue to analyze the situation and improve their contingency plan going forward.

Queens Manor Closed Due To Flu-Like Symptoms

Queens Manor in Liverpool is closed until further notice because of flu-like symptoms. A large number of residents have developed symptoms and the manor remains closed to visitors and family. An official at the manor says it's difficult to say when it will re-open.

Valley Takes Commanding 3-0 Series Lead Over Mustangs

In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League playoff action last night in Bridgewater, the Valley Wildcats shutout the South Shore Mustangs 10-0. The win gives the Valley team a commanding 3-0 lead in the best of seven quarter final series.  Game four goes tomorrow night at 7:30pm in Bridgewater.

Flemming Defeats Murphy For Brier Berth

Mayflower's Paul Flemming is heading back to the Brier. Flemming claimed the Provincial Molson Mens Tankard yesterday in Truro with an exciting 8-7 win over Lakeshore's Jamie Murphy. Flemming opened up a 6-1 lead after four ends but the defending champ fought back to even the score before Flemming took one in the tenth to clinch the title. It's Flemming's sixth provincial crown. He'll be joined by former Chester Junior champ Graham Breckon, Kelly Mittlestadt,  and Ian Fitzner-LeBlanc at the Tim Horton's Brier in Edmonton beginning March 2nd.

No Injuries After House Fires In Shelburne County

As if a snowstorm, hurricane force winds, storm surges and power outages weren't enough for Shelburne County, there were also a pair of house fires over the weekend. A man and his adult son escaped unharmed from one blaze late Saturday in their home on Sandy Point Road, about eight kilometres south of the Town of Shelburne. No word yet on a cause of the fire. Meanwhile, a woman was forced from her home by a fire around 4 a.m. Saturday in Barrington. There was considerable fire, smoke and water damage to the home and firefighters think it began around a wood stove. The woman wasn't hurt and is staying with nearby relatives for now.

Flu Restricts Visitors At Shoreham Village Nursing Home

A visitor restriction remains in place at Shoreham Village nursing home in Chester. CEO Brian Selig says a handful of residents have been affected by the flu while almost a dozen others have shown symptoms. The restriction has been in place since late last week. Selig says they're working hard to limit the disease from spreading.



He says only immediate family are allowed to visit their relatives at the nursing home. Selig is hopeful the visitor restriction can be lifted in a week.

School Review: Public Hearings Begin This Week

The future of six rural schools on the South Shore will be discussed during a series of public hearings set to begin this week. The first hearing will focus on Pentz Elementary and is set for tomorrow night at the school. Members of the South Shore Regional School Board will make a decision on whether to continue to maintain some of the smaller schools identified on the review list based on criteria and enrollment  Public hearings for schools in Mill Village, Petite Riviere, New Ross, Gold River-Western Shore and Hebbville Academy will also be held this month. Each meeting will be held at the respective school up for review and begins at 6:30PM. The smallest school based on enrollment that's up for review is Mill Village with 54 students while Hebbville Academy is the largest at 538 students.

Public Hearing Schedule: 

Pentz Elementary School - Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30PM

Hebbville Academy - Monday, February 18 at 6:30PM

Gold River-Western Shore Elementary - Tuesday February 19 at 6:30PM

New Ross Consolidated School - Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30PM

Petite Reviere Elementary - Thursday, February 21 at 6:30PM

Mill Village Consolidated School - Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 PM

Mustangs Host Valley In Critical Game Three

The South Shore Mustangs will try and dig themselves out of an 0-2 deficit in their playoff series tonight against the Valley Wildcats. The top-ranked Valley squad won the first two games at home and will travel to Bridgewater for game three. The game starts at 7pm.

StormCentre: Region Hit Hard By Latest Snow Storm

Residents of the South Shore are shoveling out their driveways after a large snowstorm hit the region over the weekend. The storm system knocked out power for thousands in parts of Queens, Lunenburg and Shelburne Counties. The outages forced emergency officials to open up comfort centres in Lockeport and on Cape Sable Island. Power was restored to most Nova Scotia Power customers last night after blizzard and storm surge warnings were finally lifted. Meanwhile, storm surges caused significant flooding in Liverpool and on Dock Street in Shelburne. There's still no word on damages to the historic waterfront.

Curling: Finals Set At Tankard In Truro

It'll be defending champ Jamie Murphy of Lakeshore against Mayflower's Paul Flemming in today's Molson Mens Tankard Final in Truro. Murphy advanced last night with a 10-6 win over Mark Dacey. On Saturday, Flemming topped Murphy 8-6 to earn a spot in the title match.  The final starts at 2 o'clock. The winner will represent Nova Scotia at the Brier in Edmonton next month.

StormCentre: EMO Update For South Shore

Updates from local emergency management officials for the South Shore: This information has been kindly provided the Nova Scotia's EMO office and it's Facebook page.

Yarmouth - Very little snow accumulation.

Argyle - Flooding of one road in Pubnico during storm surge. (normal for this area). Road now okay.

Barrington/Clark's Harbour - Major storm surge. 1-2 metres. Several roads were awash at 8:30 but all are back open now. Wharf debris washed up on some roads. No one was a risk and no one was isolated. Anywhere with an eastern exposure was affected. Power outage has resulted in a comfort centre being opened at 11 am in Centerville Community Centre. ETR for outage is 11 pm.

Shelburne - Similar conditions as Barrington. All roads are back open now. TIR reported that storm surge is the biggest that they have seen in this area since Ground Hog day storm in 1976. All getting back to normal.

Queens County - Lower parking lot area of Liverpool flooding but this is normal. Western Head Causeway that was destroyed by Hurricane Bill had a couple of the 2000 lb barriers breached. These blocks were used to repair the causeway and have held up until today. Road is passable.

Lunenburg County - Flooding near Sobeys in Bridgewater at height of storm surge but this is typical. 25 cms of snow and still falling.

StormCentre: Serious Flooding Along Shelburne Waterfront

A number of communities along the South Shore are dealing with flooding due to elevated sea-levels due to storm surge. In Shelburne, officials with the municipality took to Twitter this morning to ask residents to stay home and away from Dock Street. The historic section of the waterfront in Shelburne is submerged in water. Here's a shot of the situation along the waterfront in Shelburne.

StormCentre: Lengthy Power Outage In Barrington

A lengthy power outage in the Barrington area has forced emergency officials to open a comfort centre on Cape Sable Island. EMO co-ordinator Jim Newell says the centre will be set up at the Centreville Fire Hall. Nearly 2,000 residents of the Barrington area have been without power for more than eight hours. According to Nova Scotia Power's outage map, crews hope to restore electricity late tonight (11PM). The outage is due to high wind gusts and snow. Newell says it will give people a warm place to stay and ride out the storm. He says they will offer residents some coffee, tea and light refreshments.

StormCentre: Dozens of Stores Closed & Events Postponed

Dozens of businesses and stores are closed today as blizzard and storm surge warnings remain in effect for the South Shore. Crews are working to clean up nearly 15 centimetres of snow that fell overnight in Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne. Forecasters are predicting another 30 centimetres of snow today for parts of Nova Scotia. Some areas of Queens and Shelburne counties are being whipped by winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, cutting visibility to almost zero. Numerous flights have been cancelled at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The Maritime Bus Company has cancelled all of it's morning routes. Here is a complete list of cancellations

StormCentre: Power Outages, High Winds, Cancellations

High winds are behind power outages and tricky driving conditions throughout the South Shore. Roughly 8,000 Nova Scotia Power cutomers are without electricity this morning. The largest outages are in the Barrington, Pubinco, Shelburne and St. Margaret's Bay areas. Meanwhile, snow clearing crews are working hard to knock down massive snow drifts in many areas of the South Shore. The region is waking up to high winds and white out conditions after about 15 centimetres of snow fell overnight. Forecasters are predicting 30 to 40 centimetres of snow today for parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and up to 30 centimetres for Prince Edward Island. Some parts of Queens and Shelburne are being whipped by winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, cutting visibility to almost zero. Dozens of today's flights have been cancelled at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For a complete list of cancellations around the South Shore click here or visit our our web site at www.ckbw.ca

Nova Scotia Power's - Outage Map

Maritime Bus has cancelled morning routes - updates can be found here

Road Conditions - up to date information can be found here


Here is the latest forecast from Environment Canada: Blizzard and Storm Surge Warning in Effect.

Today: Snow at times mixed with ice pellets this morning. Snow and ice pellet amount 5 cm for Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth counties. Expect 10-15 centimetres of snow for Lunenburg county. Blowing snow. Wind northeast 60 km/h gusting to 80 except gusting to 120 along the coast this morning and early this afternoon. High minus 1 except temperature steady near minus 6 inland.

Tonight: Periods of snow ending overnight then cloudy (Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth). Amount 5 cm (another 10 centimetres expected for Lunenburg county). Blowing snow. Wind northwest 50 km/h gusting to 80. Low minus 9.

Sunday..clearing late in the morning. Wind gusts to 60 diminishing to 20 in the evening. High minus 3.