Entire Neighbourhoods Buried By Record Snowfall In Canada
Canada’s government has said military reserves may be called in to help after entire neighbourhoods were buried by a record-breaking snow storm.
A state of emergency has been declared in St John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, after the blizzard dumped up to 76.2cm onto the city alongside wind gusts of 81mph.
The snowfall was an all-time record for the day for St. John’s International Airport, which has been closed.
Thousands of people have been left without power in freezing temperatures, and Canada’s federal government has now mobilised to help the stricken province, helping to dig out citizens who have been trapped in their homes.
The nation’s prime minster Justin Trudeau said help was “on its way”.
For many households it’s proven to be a struggle just to get out the front door, with drifts piling up against homes and in some cases entirely blocking access:
1:00 local time. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day lol. But I'm perfectly fine here. Never lost power. All that snow can be tossed into the bathtub to start off with. And if I really need to get outside there's always the kitchen window. pic.twitter.com/gY1PtsKdz5
— Ernie Powell (@etrevorpowell) January 18, 2020
This has never happened in the 10 years we have lived here! #nlwx#nlblizzard2020#snowmaggedon2020#nlweatherpic.twitter.com/Td84BCdHmB
— Sam 🎨 Rose Colored Art (@art_colored) January 17, 2020
#nlblizzard2020 is so bad even Olaf is trying to get in the house @natashafatahpic.twitter.com/ygYDEwJFij
— Glenda (@GMF64) January 18, 2020
Or their garages for that matter:
Oh my God.... pic.twitter.com/9Ke65XUwFf
— Leigh Antle (@leigh_antle) January 17, 2020
I’m gonna need a bigger boat ❄️❄️❄️ #nlwxpic.twitter.com/VyxqqWBhJE
— J. David Mitchell (@jdavidmitchell) January 18, 2020
In some cases, the snow was so deep that residents were forced to dig tunnels or deep trenches just to be able to get in and out of their own homes:
