Blizzard shuts down schools, government offices in Iqaluit
Conditions deteriorated Sunday afternoon, expected to improve Monday afternoon
Northmart employee Daniel Longeuay advises customers the store would soon close Sunday afternoon as a blizzard hit Iqaluit. The store was expected to reopen Monday at 11 a.m. (Photo by Daron Letts)
March is roaring in like a lion in Iqaluit, as the city remains at a standstill Monday morning thanks to blizzard conditions.
Weather conditions deteriorated Sunday afternoon with snow and wind speeds reaching 60 km/h, bringing in a wind chill below -40 C.
The city’s heavy equipment operators were still working to clear the streets Monday morning.
“The public is asked to stay off the roads unless it is an emergency,” said city spokesperson Geoffrey Byrne in a public service announcement.
“Snow clearing equipment requires ample space to operate, and visibility may be reduced in certain areas.”
Restaurants, taxi services and government offices remain shut down. Northmart closed as well on Sunday afternoon and plans to remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Monday.
Schools did not open their doors Monday either.
Monday’s forecast includes light snow with wind gusting to 60 km/h, ending in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to rest at -24 C with a return of -40 C wind chill, which brings a risk of frostbite.
Not sure where Nunatsiaq wind speeds of 60km/h came from in the articile but Enviroment Canada officially has gusts of 89km/h and 0.0km of visability on Sunday……
https://weather.gc.ca/past_conditions/index_e.html?station=yfb
At least the school closes even for the staff because Sanikiluaq elementary school staff are forced to work during blizzards and no running water at all times, especially with no running water. Talk about health hazard and safety concerns.