8-metre seas stall Marine Atlantic crossings for 4 days

Ferry crossings between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have been at a standstill for four days because of a "significant" storm system.

Marine Atlantic ferries have been tied up since Friday, with winds in excess of 100 km/h and eight-metre seas in the Cabot Strait.

Officials hope for better conditions Tuesday, just before another storm arrives in the region on Wednesday bringing snow and strong winds.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that we'll see a break in the weather," said Darrrell Mercer, Marine Atlantic's communications officer. "But of course, this time of year we're always looking at what the next potential system could be."

Mercer said about 200 tractor-trailer loads are waiting in North Sydney, N.S., to make the crossing, and that number is expected to grow Monday.

There's currently no backlog in Port aux Basques, N.L., because many highways in the province have been shut down in the bad weather, said Mercer.

The corporation sent out a travel advisory last Wednesday, warning of the potential disruption in service and encouraging customers to travel before the weekend.

Mercer said the corporation hopes to resume crossings around mid-day tomorrow.

"Right now we're focussed on trying to get through this system, and if we can get operational Tuesday, that will allow us to clear some of the backlog."