Atlantic Canada on alert with 75+ mm of rain targeting parts of the region
Rainfall warnings issued for parts of Atlantic Canada with 50-75+ mm targetting the harder-hit areas. There's a heightened flood concerned with the onset of heavy rain and warming temperatures
A strong Colorado is bringing a bout of heavy rain to parts of Atlantic Canada, elevating the flood risk in low-lying areas. Very strong wind gusts, and eventually snow, are also forecast for the region as we round out this week.
As much as 70+ mm of rain could fall across parts of the Maritimes, raising the first major flood risk of the season. With recent frigid temperatures, river ice is strong, and the frozen ground will have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.
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Travel may also be impacted as the rain picks up through Thursday.
"If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in a rainfall warning issued Thursday morning.
Be sure to stay aware of the changing conditions, and any weather alerts that are issued in your area.
Thursday into Friday: Heavy rain with heightened flood threat
The heaviest rain will fall Thursday afternoon and into Friday morning.
Between 20-40 mm is forecast across northern New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with greater amounts between 50-75 mm possible across portions of southern New Brunswick. Even heavier totals are possible, locally.
A widespread 10-20 mm is forecast in Newfoundland.
Closely watching the Saint John River basin
Luckily, the heaviest rain will be over the lower river basin of the Saint John River, where the snowpack is minimal.
The impressive snowpack in the upper Saint John River basin, however, can expect a significant melt.
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Thursday will bring the first double digit temperatures of the year for many parts of New Brunswick.
According to ECCC, similar storms in the past have caused localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas, as well as the overflowing of creeks and rivers.
Heavy rain and gusty southerly winds are expected to persist into Thursday evening.
Icy impacts across Newfoundland Thursday
There's an increasing likelihood for about 2-3 hours of ice pellets or freezing rain for the Trans-Canada Highway from Corner Brook to St. John’s, Newfoundland on Thursday afternoon, before the precipitation changes over to rain.
A few days of colder weather are expected as the storm departs the region.
A return to snow is forecast behind the cold front, first starting in New Brunswick on Friday afternoon, then reaching Newfoundland by Friday night.
A quieter pattern is expected for several days next week, but then a more active and stormy pattern will return for mid-march.
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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada.