Spring remains elusive in Atlantic Canada as gusty storm sweeps through

HALIFAX – Spring remained elusive in parts of the Maritimes on Thursday after a storm swept through the region, knocking out power and closing schools.

A man uses a broom to clear snow off a car in Halifax on Monday, March 21, 2016. A storm system known as a nor’easter is bringing rain, freezing rain, and snow to many of the Maritime provinces with a snowfall warning being issued for parts of Nova Scotia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

The Canso causeway to Cape Breton was closed in the morning as a winter storm blasted the area, whipping up powerful gusts.

It reopened later in the day, but visibility was limited and traffic was reduced to one lane.

Blizzard conditions hit Charlottetown and moved east overnight into Nova Scotia, with the winds causing whiteout conditions and prompting the RCMP to suggest people stay off the roads.

Schools were closed in western parts of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, with some businesses and government offices delaying their openings.

Nova Scotia Power reported that about 1,000 customers lost power, but the utility had restored electricity in most locations by mid-morning.

Maritime Electric in P.E.I. was also reporting power outages in several communities, including Baltic, Darnley, Indian River and Malpeque.

The weather cleared through the day, with sun in the forecast for much of the region Friday.