Blizzard conditions and frigid temperatures for Atlantic Canada, warnings issued

Thursday, January 2, 2014, 8:35 PM -

STORM WATCH: Tune in on TV as we track this major system.

The new year is here -- and with it, comes more heavy snow and frigid temperatures for much of Atlantic Canada.

Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning in Nova Scotia, including the City of Halifax where up to 30 cm of snow could pile up.

"A low pressure system will approach Nova Scotia Thursday night and track south of the province on Friday as it intensifies," says EC in their statement early Thursday. "This system will bring snow and blowing snow beginning tonight over southwestern Nova Scotia and spread eastward on Friday."

The worst conditions are likely to be over southwestern Nova Scotia and along the Atlantic coast with higher snowfall amounts and stronger winds forecast.

"In addition with the high tidal cycle and strong winds, higher than normal water levels are possible for Yarmouth and Shelburne counties on Friday," adds EC.

Between 10-15 cm of snow is forecast in parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, along with extreme wind chill values below minus 35.

That prompted widespread wind chill warnings across the region as frigid temperatures and brisk winds produce dangerous wind chills.

Meanwhile, in Newfoundland, blizzard warnings have been issued for Thursday night.

"This is a warning that blizzard conditions with near-zero visibilities are expected," EC warns.

While there was initially some uncertainty with the track, models have started to paint a clear picture of the route the storm will take.

"We're still not sure how much snow will fall in some places, particularly the Avalon," says Weather Network meteorologist Brian Dillon.

"Right now, our computer models are suggesting anywhere between 20 and 35 cm for this region." 

This all comes after a crippling ice storm that left thousands of customers across Atlantic Canada in the dark more than a week ago.

New Brunswick Power says less than 100 customers were still without power on Thursday, but they hope to have most customers reconnected by midnight.

The Canadian Red Cross says their warming centres and shelters have all closed as there is no longer a demand for them.

NB Power crews are also working to reconnect power to more than 1,000 customers who lost their electricity early Thursday. Officials say the hardest hit areas include Moncton, Sackville and the Tracadie area. 

Winter storms have been relentless across Atlantic Canada so far this season. Wondering how the rest of the year will play out? Check the 2014 Winter Outlook here.