Nova Scotia Reels from Winter Storm: Schools and Services Disrupted

Nova Scotia is facing significant disruptions as a powerful winter storm continues to impact the region. The storm, which began late on January 24, 2026, has resulted in widespread school closures and service delays across multiple communities.

Widespread School Closures

In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Halifax Regional Centre for Education announced that all schools will remain closed on January 27. Other educational institutions also affected include the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education, which is fully closed, and the Tri County Regional Centre for Education, where all schools and offices are shuttered. The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education has also suspended operations, with similar closures reported for the Cumberland County, Colchester County, and Pictou County schools under the CCRCE.

Additionally, the Nova Scotia Community College has closed its Truro and Cumberland campuses, as well as the Amherst Learning Centre. The Pictou Campus, Strait Area Campus, and Wagmatcook Learning Centre will open later than usual, with delays expected.

Transportation and Municipal Services Affected

Public transportation has also been impacted. Halifax Transit has implemented snow routes, and passengers should anticipate delays. Access-a-bus services are similarly expected to run behind schedule. Currently, ferry services are operating with minor disruptions, specifically a 30-minute delay for the Alderney ferry.

Officials at Halifax Stanfield International Airport are advising travelers to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, as conditions remain variable.

On the municipal front, all offices, including Planning & Development permit offices and Customer Service Centres, will delay opening until 10:00 a.m. on January 27. Employees who can work remotely are encouraged to do so. Essential services, including winter operations and 311, will continue uninterrupted, while the Regional Council meeting scheduled for the same day will proceed as planned.

Residents can expect curbside solid waste collection to continue as scheduled, although it is recommended that waste not be placed curbside until the morning to facilitate ongoing snow clearing efforts. Facilities such as the Otter Lake Waste Facility and the Materials Recycling Facility will maintain regular hours, ensuring waste management services remain operational.

As the storm continues, residents are urged to stay informed about further updates and service changes from local authorities.