Photo: Big storm batters Iqaluit

If you’re unlucky enough to be driving a vehicle around Iqaluit this afternoon, this is the most you’ll likely be able to see through your windshield. A big storm, forecast Jan. 6 by Environment Canada, hit the community at around 11:45 a.m. Jan. 7, creating near-zero visibility and east to northeast winds gusting from 65 to 84 kilometres an hour. Wind gusts are expected to hit 120 km/h this afternoon and tonight with windchill estimates sinking to -30, with snowfall of between 2 and 4 cm. Power in at least parts of the capital went down around 1 p.m. All government offices are closed and only essential and emergency service workers will continue to stay on the job. The City of Iqaluit advises people on trucked service to conserve water. The blizzard will likely end sometime on Jan. 8. Environment Canada said the storm will hit many communities in Nunavik, Baffin and Kivalliq. (PHOTO BY JIM BELL)