GN closes offices, city suspends services as blizzard hits Iqaluit
Kuujjuaq, other Nunavik communities experience severe weather as well
Niaqunngusiariaq Road in Iqaluit is empty on Wednesday morning during a blizzard that began Tuesday night. Government offices, schools and many businesses remain closed. (Photo by Daron Letts)
The City of Iqaluit pulled its water and sewer trucks off the road Wednesday morning due to blizzard conditions.
A separate public service announcement from the city Wednesday morning advised taxis were not available, leading to a delayed opening of the city’s recreational facilities. Another update was planned for 8:30 a.m., the announcement said.
As well, territorial government offices in Iqaluit were closed Wednesday, the Government of Nunavut announced.
Cold temperatures, light snow and high winds brought hazardous conditions to the city Wednesday morning. The temperature was forecast to remain at -29 C all day with 50 km/h winds gusting to 70 km/h, creating a wind chill of -48 C. Frostbite can occur within minutes in these conditions, Environment Canada warned.
Winds were forecast to diminish to 20 km/h in the evening.
This is the third blizzard to hit Iqaluit this month.
A blizzard warning was also in effect for Kimmirut Wednesday morning, according to Environment Canada.
Several Nunavik communities, including Kuujjuaq, Kangiqsualujjuaq, Kangirsuk, Aupaluk, Quaqtaq, Tasiujaq, were also impacted by blizzard conditions Wednesday morning.
Some offices in Kuujjuaq, including Kativik Regional Government and CIBC, announced they would attempt to resume operations at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Road conditions remained dangerous in several Nunavik communities but some snow-clearing efforts were underway.
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