UPDATE: Government offices, schools closed for the day

Today's weather forecast has caused a number of closures across the province.

Provincial government offices have closed for the day. All schools in the Eastern, Western and French school boards closed two hours earlier than normal today.

Charlottetown City Hall is closed for the day, but the regular monthly council meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. is still going ahead.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has closed the Emerald Bridge.

"There was already a weight restriction on the bridge, which snow removal equipment wouldn't meet. So the decision was made to close it to all traffic," a spokesperson with the department reported.

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Today's forecast from Environment Canada calls for snow changing to ice pellets late this afternoon with a risk of freezing rain late this afternoon.

Wind will become southeast 30 km/h late this afternoon with a high zero.

The ice pellets will change to periods of rain early this evening. There is a risk of freezing rain early this evening as well as fog patches.

Send us your Storm Team photos to newsroom@theguardian.pe.ca -

The temperature will rise to 12 this evening with periods of rain ending in Tuesday morning, then cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers.

RCMP issued a news release this morning reminding drivers to drive with caution.

"Make sure your windows are clear before driving and give yourself plenty of space between vehicles," notes the release. "Winter driving requires more attention. Slow down."

shiver me timbers: - December 10, 2012 at 17:02:46

Well that was a huge joke! PEI showed how wimpy it is. What would you do in 2012 if you ever faced down a blizzard like we had in February 1982 where we had a week of 100 km/h wind and well over 2 metres (yes 200 cm) of snow? Or the one in February 1990 when we received 1.5 metres in 20 hours? As a taxpayer, I request that the provincial portion of my taxes be refunded for this vacation afternoon given to the civil service and teachers. I suppose that for the rest of the winter we can expect our public services to shut down whenever there is a 5 cm snow fall (and no wind)?

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Head Shaker

- December 10, 2012 at 18:22:24

1990? I ordered pizza. I want the portion of Welfare you got during the time you spent on the Internet today back.
well then

- December 10, 2012 at 18:26:35

Well then, if you want to have them give the money back perhaps you should pay enough that the teachers don't have to spend their own money to get school supplies for their classrooms to teach your kids while you sit home and twiddle your thumbs on the Internet complaining about how you work to hard you work while you collect more EI than you paid in.

Island Taxpayer: - December 10, 2012 at 16:40:23

It would be interesting to know if all of the government workers went home when the offices closed or some actually stayed and continued working. First the report comes out last week that government workers take more sick days then people in the private sector and then during a small snow storm all PEI government offices are shut down. If the private sector acted like the government then nothing would be open now. As an employer we let those workers who feel the need to leave early to leave early but we don't shut down the entire business unless it is not safe to be driving in the city due to weather.

mej

- December 10, 2012 at 16:59:56

"...but we don't shut down the entire business unless it is not safe to be driving in the city due to weather." That says it all. Do any of your employees have to drive over 40 kms to get home safely?
at least

- December 10, 2012 at 17:05:53

At least they don't sit at home 42 weeks a year complaining other people don't work hard enough because many employers can't think of an industry that lasts more than 3 months a year and using government subsidies and handouts to fund vacations in Florida.

islandlady: - December 10, 2012 at 16:06:59

University student For record UPEI is writing final exams and they will do their upmost to have exams today as postponing todays exams will cause major headache for off island students who have flights and /or buses booked

justanotherislander: - December 10, 2012 at 14:55:03

Glad to hear the schools closed early. Somewhat shocked that Government Offices closed. I worked for the government for 30+ years, and this small 'dusting' of snow would have had absolutely no effect. They were too much the other way then, and we were expected to get to work from the country during raging snowstorms. Very seldom closed early, but again, only hours into a raging storm. Then good luck on the drive home. This is better. but would think there would be a 'happy medium'.

sandy mackay: - December 10, 2012 at 14:13:35

Terrible decision to put school buses on the highway before roads are plowed and sanded

UniversityStudent: - December 10, 2012 at 14:02:03

I sincerely enjoy reading this... especially since Holland College has also just recently closed and what is left open? UPEI. Some people have exams to write, but once again, forcing students to stay on campus during a storm with deteriorating road conditions, while all other schools and government offices close is unfair!!! Again this year, UPEI is showing its students how much it cares for their safety ... by forcing them to stay on campus and drive home later under more treacherous road conditions! Thanks UPEI

Peiguy: - December 10, 2012 at 13:29:57

This is the time the police should be out in force. Catch those driving aggressively and failing to adjust for weather conditions . Send the fools an early message with a ticket. set the tone for a safer winter. I do not have to describe the antics we see on the first few snow falls. Do I? Just cause you have a 4X4 you cannot stop any faster and since you can go faster you SHOULD NOT!.

sue: - December 10, 2012 at 13:05:59

In New Brunswick closed schools "before" the storm .They knew what the forecast was to be today.I now it wasn't snowing when they went off this morning and closed at 1pm,but its been slippery for about 2hrs now...Waiting for my kids on the bus ,and hoping all is ok

Parent: - December 10, 2012 at 12:31:19

BMAC, guess you aren't a parent who likes to know that school is closing early and knowing that your child is going to be home soon and safe!

agreer: - December 10, 2012 at 12:20:54

agreed!! i was afraid about it but then i recalled what that white stuff is and realized what time of year it is!! It's beginning to look a lot like .. something... i forget..

As an employee

- December 10, 2012 at 16:57:08

As an employee I've seen people get locked outside their buildings during storms because the employer expected employees to make it to work during a storm but they couldn't be bothered to come in to unlock the doors and if they didn't stay, they got docked time for not being at work. Really sucks for those who walked or took the bus. I know government employees who don't take sick days unless they physically can't make it in and I know private sector employees who take sick days if they want to go to Moncton shopping. Nice stereoytyping.,

The Truth: - December 10, 2012 at 12:01:11

You've got to be kidding!!!

Jae: - December 10, 2012 at 12:01:04

It's news for those of us who didn't know the schools would be closing. Just because you don't considering it news doesn't mean other's don't. Read something else instead.

ScottPEI: - December 10, 2012 at 11:59:42

Did you even read the article BMAC - the schools are closing early!! That is news! Not like it happens every day - this is important to parents and is a public service announcement! Stop the negativity!

john smith: - December 10, 2012 at 11:59:23

This is news! Some people have children that they would like to know if school is closing early! AND we always seem to have to remind people to slow down ( although some will NEVER listen). People like to know what kind of weather conditions are expected. Even though its winter... some people like to stay safe and know that their children are coming home early!!

Bmac: - December 10, 2012 at 11:37:10

My lord,I was thinking of going out for the mail,I guess I'd better not,considering IT'S WINTER AND IT IS SNOWING! HELLO,THIS IS NOT NEWS!

2°C

The Guardian - News - Local

UPDATE: Government offices, schools closed for the day

RCMP reminds motorists to drive safely

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