20-40 cm possible as powerful nor’easter hits Atlantic Canada
Prepare for blizzard-like conditions across parts of Atlantic Canada as a strong nor’easter reaches the region late this weekend
Significant snowfall totals and high winds are in the forecast as a developing nor’easter approaches Atlantic Canada later this weekend.
The system could produce 20-40 cm of accumulation, while wind gusts of 90+ km/h may make for blizzard-like conditions.
Prepare for significant travel disruptions beginning late Sunday and continuing into Tuesday.
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Powerful nor’easter developing
A frigid Arctic airmass diving over the eastern United States will help give rise to a strong low-pressure system off the coast of the Carolinas this weekend.
Parts of North Carolina could see 15-30 cm of snow in the region’s largest storm since 2018, while Cape Cod may see blizzard conditions. Expect flight delays and cancellations through Charlotte and Boston.
All that energy and moisture will aim for the East Coast late this weekend as the nor’easter begins moving into the region. Expect a heavy snowfall event with strong winds across the southern Maritimes and much of Newfoundland.
Impacts will begin in Nova Scotia during the late afternoon or evening hours on Sunday.
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We’ll see snowfall rates and wind gusts intensify as the strengthening storm approaches the coast through overnight Sunday into early Monday. Snowfall rates of 2-3 cm per hour, combined with 60-90 km/h winds, will likely bring whiteouts and blizzard-like conditions.
Disruptions will continue into Monday morning as the snow and wind move toward Newfoundland. Very heavy snowfall rates and winds potentially exceeding 90 km/h will lead to dangerous winter travel across the island. School closures are likely.
Some uncertainty in the storm’s track could increase or decrease snowfall totals, especially for southern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and central Newfoundland.
Snowfall totals by the end of the storm could approach 20-30+ cm across much of Nova Scotia, with more than 40 cm possible in spots over in Newfoundland.
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