Nor'easter sparks warnings in Atlantic Canada, risk of difficult travel ahead
A powerful nor'easter will hit Atlantic Canada Tuesday and Wednesday with heavy snow, rain, and strong winds, likely causing travel issues, power outages, and school closures
A strong low pressure system over the Atlantic is drawing Arctic air from the north and moisture from the Gulf, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and significant snow through Wednesday. Some of the hardest-hit areas could see 30+ cm of snowfall and dangerous blizzard conditions.
Expect challenging travel with snow-covered roads and walkways. Utility outages and disruptions to transit and ferry schedules are also possible. Subsequent rain and snowmelt could lead to water pooling on roads and localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Widespread warnings are in effect.
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Rain, heavy snow, and strong winds set to impact the Maritimes
Forecasters say the conditions necessary for a sharply deepening storm are all present: A strong jet stream, plenty of cold air and unusually warm ocean temperatures to fuel its formation.
Snow is thought to begin in the Maritimes on Tuesday evening as the low moves along Nova Scotia's south coast overnight. Conditions will continue to worsen into Wednesday morning, with stronger winds and more precipitation.
Southern Nova Scotia is expected to receive the most rain, with 30-50 mm forecast, and wind gusts of 50-80 km/h. Forecasters warn about ponding and pooling on roads.
Cold air will remain in place farther north, including Saint John, Moncton, Charlottetown, the Annapolis Highlands and the Cobequid Mountains. These areas could receive 10-20 centimetres of snow, along with gusts of 50-70 km/h.
Commuters should expect difficult conditions Wednesday morning, with possible delays or closures on the Confederation Bridge.
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Wednesday will be Newfoundland's turn, with snow and strong winds spreading across the island in the morning and intensifying by the afternoon. Snowfall rates could reach 3-5 centimetres an hour, with coastal winds gusting to 80-100 km/h. Inland winds could reach 60-80 km/h.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may cause whiteout or near-blizzard conditions, slick roads and the possibility of road, school and business closures.
There is also the possibility of localized power outages.
The forecast for southeastern Newfoundland remains somewhat uncertain. The Avalon and Burin peninsulas may see snow turn to ice pellets or rain as the low moves south of the region later Wednesday, potentially affecting snowfall totals.
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West and central Newfoundland are more likely to remain cold enough for snow, with 15-30 cm expected by Thursday morning.
Conditions are anticipated to improve Wednesday night, but cold Arctic air will stay behind the system. On Thursday, wind chill values in some parts of New Brunswick could reach -10 to -20.
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Stay with The Weather Network for the latest across Atlantic Canada.