Flash-Freeze Warning; Travel Could be Dangerous

Winter weather is supposed to return with a vengeance today and the change from mild, rainy conditions to ice and snow could prove dangerous on Nova Scotia's highways, provincial transportation officials say.

Environment Canada has issued a flash-freeze advisory for today, Jan. 5, meaning the current spring-like temperatures should drop quickly across the province and give way to sub-zero levels, snow and icy roads.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works is urging people to avoid using the highways when the temperature drops this afternoon. If there is no way to avoid highway travel, people should be careful and use good judgment at the wheel.

"There is a lot of water around now and with the temperatures dropping quickly, freezing conditions will develop rapidly throughout the province," said Doug Stewart, director of operations for the Department of Transportation and Public Works. "People on the roads should use extreme caution because of the risk of freezing and black ice."

The department's salt truck and snowplow drivers are monitoring the situation carefully and will be deployed as soon as the conditions demand it.