20-30+ cm: Expansive winter storm to deliver snowy blast to Atlantic Canada
A massive U.S. winter storm is forecast to track into Atlantic Canada late Sunday, forecast to deliver a snowy wallop for a good portion of the region, alongside blustery winds. Expect significant disruptions to travel and possibly power
A developing winter storm that could produce a catastrophic ice storm stateside, and deliver a wintry blast to Ontario and Quebec, is expected to bring a period of prolonged snowfall and blowing snow into Atlantic Canada on Sunday night into early next week.
The exact track of the system remains uncertain, but the potential exists for significant snowfall over some locations. Some areas could see 15-30+ cm. The system will also be slower in speed than typical nor'easters, resulting in heavier snow totals.
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Strong winds accompanying the snow will cause reduced visibility in blowing snow. Roads and walkways may be difficult to navigate. Consider postponing non-essential travel. Prepare for school and business closures on Monday morning.
A slug of Arctic air settling over the region will bring very cold temperatures for the weekend, with some daytime highs near -20°C possible.
Brace for impacts: Frigid air and heavy snow
A frigid Arctic air mass in Eastern Canada will clash with a warm, moist air mass from the Gulf of Mexico, creating a boundary that will produce heavy snow and ice all the way from Texas to the Atlantic coast.
This weekend, the Maritimes will experience very cold Arctic air, with daytime highs ranging from minus teens to -20°C. Halifax is forecast to see a high of -14°C on Saturday — a rarity, last observed in February 2023, December 2016, and January 2014.
Wind chills could drop to -20 to -30 or lower.
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On Saturday and Sunday, sea-effect snow bands are expected for Cape Breton and western Newfoundland on as Arctic air interacts with the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Then, a strong winter storm is expected to move into the U.S. Northeast on Sunday. The northern edge of the system will bring snow to the Maritimes beginning late Sunday evening for southwestern sections. By overnight and into Monday, snowfall rates and wind gusts will intensify.
By Monday morning, the heaviest snow axis is forecast across Halifax and southern sections of the province (1-3 cm an hour).
Snowfall totals of 15-30+ cm are possible, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia including Cape Breton.
Lower amounts for P.E.I. (10-20+ cm). Highest totals for New Brunswick include southern sections and those bordering the Northumberland Strait where 15-25 cm is forecast.
Expecting a drier, fluffier snow, so widespread totals exceeding 30 cm are possible by Tuesday.
Dry snow creates hazards. Easier to blow and higher likelihood to reduce visibility (falling snow and blowing snow).
Wind gust projections:
Coastal Nova Scotia: 60-80+ km/h
Strongest for Cape Breton (90+ km/h)
New Brunswick: 40-60 km/h
P.E.I.: 60-80 KM/H
Newfoundland: Low confidence on peak winds for Avalon, but potentially near 100 km/h for southern sections late Tuesday
Strongest winds develop early Tuesday, as the low pressure rapidly intensifies as it lifts north.
Residents should prepare for potential school and business closures on Monday morning as heavy snow and blowing snow could result in hazardous winter travel conditions.
Impacts to Newfoundland are evolving at this time: 10-15 cm of snow forecast through Tuesday for St. John’s, with 15-25 cm across southwestern sections.
Stay tuned for updates on any changes in the storm’s track and its potential impacts.