Weather Impact Update, Dec. 16

The following is update of the of the wind and rain storm that hit Nova Scotia over the past few days, as of noon, today, Dec. 16:

• The rain and wind storm moved away from Nova Scotia last night, leaving colder air and moderate winds in its wake.
• The section of the Cabot Trail between Neils Harbour and Effie's Brook is the only part of the Cabot Trail still closed. An alternative route is available.
• Several closed road that stranded families Wednesday have re-opened, including Barron's Road in Ingonish, where six residents were stranded, and the road to Dingwall, where about 50 families had been stranded.
• Corson's Bridge near Ingonish Ferry, closed most of the day Wednesday, reopened at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, allowing traffic to use the shorter eastern route from northern Cape Breton to the Trans Canada Highway and on to Sydney.
• The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is asking people to call 511 for road information and to use caution because a lot of road work still has to be done.
• Several roads in the Margee Valley are closed, including the East Big Intervale Road.
• Power restoration continues in the Annapolis Valley. About 3,000 customers remain to be connected. About 80,000 were without power at the height of the storm in the Valley.
• About 200 Eastlink customers in the Valley are awaiting telephone repairs. Most disruptions have been repaired.
• Bell Aliant reports all service has been restored.
• Damage assessments will begin immediately. Questions about compensation and government aid will be answered as quickly as possible.
• In the Annapolis Valley, where there was considerable private damage, many people should be able to make insurance claims.
• This is the fourth major weather event in Nova Scotia since August, more than usual for such a short time frame, brining significant costs.