Freezing rain closes schools, covers roads and sidewalks with ice

Freezing raincoated much of Nova Scotia with ice overnight before turning to rain in the early morning hours Friday.

As a result, many schools were closed or haddelayedopenings.

Sidewalks were treacherousand there were reports of people walking on the roads to avoid falling.

The slippery, glass-like conditions and patches of black ice slowedthe morning commute. There were reports of some vehicles off the highway near Fall River.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jen Clarke said there were 42 crashes in RCMP jurisdictions across the province, with five of those coming from HRM. She said no one was seriously injured in the crashes.

Many departures and arrivals at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport were cancelled or delayed.

Marine Atlantic cancelled its 11:45 p.m.ferry crossings between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, N.L., on Friday, and is warning of other possible cancellations over the weekend and into Monday.

Environment Canada says as the rain ends and cold, westerly winds and scattered flurries move in, "road conditions may become icy again overnight" Friday and into Saturday.