Announcement: All schools in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education are closed today, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, due to poor road conditions and to allow for cleanup following the winter storm.
Officials said the closure reflects a mix of weather and operational factors, including heavy snowfall that turned to rain overnight before temperatures dropped, creating slippery conditions across the region. Crews are still clearing school grounds, side roads, and access points as plowing and sanding continue.
Why schools are closed today
The decision was based on multiple conditions reported across Halifax and surrounding communities. Overnight snowfall shifted to rain and then refroze as temperatures fell, leading to widespread slick surfaces. Reports of slippery roads and reduced traction were noted throughout the region, while many school properties and neighborhood streets remained in active snow-clearing operations Tuesday morning.
HRCE offices and worksites are delayed in opening until 10:00 a.m.
Cleanup focus and travel guidance
Municipal crews are prioritizing main routes and key sidewalks as cleanup continues after the storm. Residents are being asked to avoid non-essential travel where possible to help snow-clearing equipment and crews move efficiently through the network. The Halifax Regional Municipality has emphasized that main corridors are the priority while side streets and local access roads may take longer to fully clear.
Storm warnings and snowfall amounts
Environment alerts earlier in the week signaled that Nova Scotia could face hazardous winds and significant snowfall. The Halifax area was under a yellow-level winter storm warning, with up to 25 cm expected from Monday into early Tuesday. In parts of southwestern Nova Scotia, an orange-level winter warning was in effect, with some areas potentially receiving up to 50 cm in the heaviest bands.
For the latest official weather statements and warnings, readers can refer to Environment Canada’s weather alerts and forecasts.
Power outages reported across the province
As of 5:50 a.m., Nova Scotia Power reported around 4,760 outages across the province, with most concentrated in southwestern regions. Outage numbers can fluctuate as crews restore service and as conditions change.
School cancellations across multiple regions
Beyond the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, several other regional education centres have cancelled classes today due to storm impacts and road safety concerns. These include Annapolis Valley, Chignecto-Central, Strait Regional, Tri-County, and South Shore Regional Centre for Education school systems, reflecting widespread disruption across Nova Scotia.
Halifax Transit updates
Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses will remain in effect on Tuesday. Ferry service is operating, with no storm-related impacts noted beyond the ongoing 30-minute service disruption for the Alderney ferry.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport disruptions
The storm has caused several cancellations and delays at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Travelers are being asked to check flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Solid waste collection changes
Curbside collection of solid waste scheduled for Tuesday has been rescheduled to February 28. Residents are asked to remove any materials currently at the curb to support snow clearing operations and return items only on the rescheduled collection day.
The Otter Lake Waste Facility, Materials Recycling Facility, and Organics Management Facility will be closed on Tuesday.
Municipal offices and public meetings delayed
All municipal offices, including in-person Planning & Development permit services and Customer Service Centres, are delaying opening until 10 a.m. Employees who can work from home are being asked to do so.
Essential services remain in operation, including 311, winter operations, and Halifax Transit. The in-person Budget Committee and Regional Council meeting will be delayed until 10 a.m. Tuesday, with further updates expected if additional changes are required.
Parks and recreation facilities
Most municipally owned and operated recreation facilities are delaying opening until 10 a.m. as crews address access, parking lots, and walkways impacted by the storm.
Support for residents experiencing homelessness
The municipality’s Housing and Homelessness Coordinators and the After-Hours Individualized Mobile Engagement team (AIM) have continued outreach across the region to inform people of available shelter options and assist with transportation where possible. The AIM team is also providing hot beverages, sheltering supplies, and warm winter essentials such as hats, gloves, and blankets.
The Province of Nova Scotia funds the operation of emergency shelters in the municipality, run by various service providers. Shelter capacity has been temporarily increased so people have access to warm, safe spaces day and night. Current locations include:
Halifax: 2029 North Park Street
Halifax: Multi-Purpose Centre of the Halifax Forum, 6210 Young Street
Halifax: St. Patrick’s Church, 2262 Brunswick Street
Dartmouth: 197-199 Windmill Road
Lower Sackville: Beacon House Shelter, 125 Metropolitan Avenue
For more details and the latest updates on delays and cancellations across Nova Scotia, read the full report from CityNews Halifax: Latest storm hits N.S. with blast of winter weather .
What to expect next
Storm cleanup continues across Halifax and other affected areas as temperatures and precipitation patterns keep conditions variable. With crews focused on priority routes and sidewalks first, residents should expect that some side roads, school grounds, and neighborhood access points may take additional time to fully clear. Updates on closures, service changes, and operational delays may continue through the day as conditions evolve.
