A few calls around Summerside and the region found most businesses and services with usual Sunday hours were closed, but several continued to operate or at least be avaliable to serve customers.
Conditions earlier today were blustery, but not overwhelming. Wind picked up later in the morning, and Environment Canada issued a blizzard warning for Prince County at about 10:30 a.m.
Businesses that opened early are makiing decisions on an hour-by-hour basis, while others with later hours had a better idea of ongoing conditions with which to make their decisions.
Tim Hortons seems to be reflecting its Canadian reputation, with all three locations open in Summerside as of 2 p.m.
"I'll cook, if they want to wait," said the lone staff member at the Read's Corner location, noting that the partner Reads Corner Esso was also operating.
Wal-Mart indicated at noon that it would open for emergency items only.
The nearby Atlantic Superstore remained closed, pending a contrary head office directive, but none had been received as of 3 p.m. Four staff members were already on duty, however, and are waiting out the storm.
The Shoppers Drug Mart manager was at the Summerside Mall store, but only attending to customers on an as-needed basis until the normal 6 p.m. closing. Anyone arriving at the store could call a number posted on the front door, and he would admit them to the store for whatever was needed.
The Kensington Food Basket is also open today. Manager Dave Boucher noted conditions around 1 p.m. were at times completely obscuring the town clock located directly across Broadway Avenue, but he decided to continue to be available for customers for the moment.
Credit Union Place initially delayed opening until noon, then extended that until 5 p.m., but finally decided to remain close as conditions did not improve.
Calls to several other businesses in Richmond, O'Leary, and Alberton received no response.
The Confederation Bridge has restricted crossings as of 11:40 Sunday morning, until the current high wind situation changes. Plows were removed completely from highways in Prince County at around noon Sunday.
All flights at Charlottetown Airport have been cancelled until at least 8 p.m.. A 7:40 Air Canada arrival is still listed but that is expected to be changed, according to informaiton from airport staff.
Even with service being available at some businesses, Environment Canada is advising that traveling is extremely hazardous.
Trying to get around in Summerside is also hazardous, as most roads are heavily snow covered or drifted in. Walking is dangerous, due to restrictions of movement, effects of wind, and the chance of becoming disoriented due to blowing snow filling in footsteps. City snow clearing crews are designated for emergencies only until conditions improve.
If purchases are absolutely necessary, call the business to verify availabilty and make arrangements to ensure your plans are known to others.
A few calls around Summerside and the region found most businesses and services with usual Sunday hours were closed, but several continued to operate or at least be avaliable to serve customers.
Conditions earlier today were blustery, but not overwhelming. Wind picked up later in the morning, and Environment Canada issued a blizzard warning for Prince County at about 10:30 a.m.
Businesses that opened early are makiing decisions on an hour-by-hour basis, while others with later hours had a better idea of ongoing conditions with which to make their decisions.
Tim Hortons seems to be reflecting its Canadian reputation, with all three locations open in Summerside as of 2 p.m.
"I'll cook, if they want to wait," said the lone staff member at the Read's Corner location, noting that the partner Reads Corner Esso was also operating.
Wal-Mart indicated at noon that it would open for emergency items only.
The nearby Atlantic Superstore remained closed, pending a contrary head office directive, but none had been received as of 3 p.m. Four staff members were already on duty, however, and are waiting out the storm.
The Shoppers Drug Mart manager was at the Summerside Mall store, but only attending to customers on an as-needed basis until the normal 6 p.m. closing. Anyone arriving at the store could call a number posted on the front door, and he would admit them to the store for whatever was needed.
The Kensington Food Basket is also open today. Manager Dave Boucher noted conditions around 1 p.m. were at times completely obscuring the town clock located directly across Broadway Avenue, but he decided to continue to be available for customers for the moment.
Credit Union Place initially delayed opening until noon, then extended that until 5 p.m., but finally decided to remain close as conditions did not improve.
Calls to several other businesses in Richmond, O'Leary, and Alberton received no response.
The Confederation Bridge has restricted crossings as of 11:40 Sunday morning, until the current high wind situation changes. Plows were removed completely from highways in Prince County at around noon Sunday.
All flights at Charlottetown Airport have been cancelled until at least 8 p.m.. A 7:40 Air Canada arrival is still listed but that is expected to be changed, according to informaiton from airport staff.
Even with service being available at some businesses, Environment Canada is advising that traveling is extremely hazardous.
Trying to get around in Summerside is also hazardous, as most roads are heavily snow covered or drifted in. Walking is dangerous, due to restrictions of movement, effects of wind, and the chance of becoming disoriented due to blowing snow filling in footsteps. City snow clearing crews are designated for emergencies only until conditions improve.
If purchases are absolutely necessary, call the business to verify availabilty and make arrangements to ensure your plans are known to others.
