Snow and winter storm warnings, along with special weather reports, are widespread in Atlantic Canada as another late-season strong storm sweeps the region with heavy rain, wind and snow. total snowfall 20-40+cm are possible for some local areas of the Maritimes, with 15-30 cm possibly for parts of southern Newfoundland when all is said and done.
However, that prediction has proved difficult as temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, contributing to a chaotic mix of rain, ice and snow.
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As conditions began to worsen, thousands were already without power across Nova Scotia as of Tuesday night, according to the provincial agency, with numbers expected to fluctuate during the storm.
Wind gusts of between 50-80+ km/h were reported over the Maritimes on Wednesday morning.
Snow will transition to a wet mix and then straight rain through Wednesday across much of Nova Scotia, except for Cape Breton, where sustained heavy snowfall is expected to continue. A heavier band of rain may form over central or western regions, with local amounts of 25mm expected through Wednesday evening. Rain then returns to snow, with possible accumulations of up to 10cm, before gradually easing into Thursday morning.
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Snowfall warnings are in place for eastern and central New Brunswick, which is expected to experience heavy snowfall through Wednesday evening.
“Visibility may be reduced by blowing snow over exposed areas this morning,” the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warning said. “Snow may mix with rain in the Southeast today.”
Drivers are asked to adapt to changing road conditions.
Snowfall rates will increase in intensity across eastern Newfoundland through Wednesday evening and Thursday, with widespread snowfalls totaling 6 to 12 inches forecast for the island, including St. John’s.
“When planning a trip, be prepared for delays and allow extra time to reach your destination,” ECCC warns.
The heavy, wet snow is causing accumulations that cling to branches and power lines, which could contribute to more power outages. Additional travel issues are also likely due to high snowfall rates and gusty northeast winds.
Higher than normal water levels and surf will also affect the Atlantic coast at high tide on Wednesday.
A pleasant St. Patrick’s Day is expected for the Maritimes on Friday before another system moves forward for the weekend. Rain and snow are forecast with the next system. Measurable snow accumulations are likely to be limited and limited to the northern Maritimes and mainly the western parts of Newfoundland.
Fair conditions and slightly cooler temperatures than the season are expected for the first half of next week. The next system to watch will be in the second half of next week, with the potential for a more active pattern in the last week of March.
Keep checking back with The Weather Network for more Atlantic Canada forecast information and updates.
Thumbnail courtesy: RCMP New Brunswick/Twitter
