Nor’easter to hammer Atlantic Canada with blizzard conditions, 30–50+ cm of snow
A powerful nor'easter is set to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland on Sunday into Monday.
A strengthening nor'easter is poised to unleash a major winter storm to Atlantic Canada, including heavy snow and strong winds in the southern Maritimes and Newfoundland.
Snowfall is expected to begin in Nova Scotia late Sunday afternoon, spreading to the South Shore, Yarmouth region and Halifax metro area between 4 and 6 p.m.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly Sunday night as the storm approaches the coast, increasing the risk of whiteouts and challenging travel.
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Nor’easter intensifies overnight, blizzard conditions likely
Snowfall rates of 2-4 centimetres per hour, combined with wind gusts of 60 to 90 km/h, are anticipated to cause blizzard conditions in exposed and coastal areas.
There is some uncertainty about the storm's exact path, which could limit snowfall amounts along parts of coastal Nova Scotia if the system stays slightly offshore.
Dangerous travel, school closures likely Monday
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Snow and strong winds are expected to continue through Monday as the storm moves eastward into Newfoundland.
Snowfall rates could rise to 3-5 centimetres per hour with winds gusting 60 to 90 km/h or more, causing near-zero visibility and rapidly accumulating snow.
School closures are probable and non-essential travel can turn dangerous or impossible at times.
Snowfall amounts in the most affected areas, including Cape Breton and parts of Newfoundland, are projected to range from 30 to more than 50 centimetres, with blowing and drifting snow worsening conditions.
While significant snowfall is anticipated, it is unclear whether the storm will be among the largest on record in St. John's.
At least 16 days in the city's climate history have seen 50 centimetres or more, including the all-time record of 101.6 cm set in 1894 and 76.2 cm throughout the January 2020 blizzard.
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