Atmospheric river brings soaking rains into Quebec, Atlantic Canada
Heavy and persistent rain will be funneled northwards into eastern Canada, with as much as 100 mm possible in the hardest hit areas through the weekend
A blocking pattern has sent tropical moisture spiralling northwards into much of Eastern Canada, threatening as much 100 mm of rain in the hardest-hit places before drying out by Sunday. Rainfall warnings and special weather statements are in effect across parts of Quebec and the Maritimes. Residents are being urged to keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris as persistent and significant totals could lead to some localized flooding. More on the timing and impacts, below.
Through Sunday: Rounds of soaking rain with subtropical moisture
A slow-moving system has prompted widespread weather alerts across Eastern Canada, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to last well into the weekend.
In some areas, the persistent rain will continue for up to 24 hours, as moisture continues to be funnelled up the east coast of the U.S.
"Typically we talk about atmospheric rivers that impact coastal sections of the West Coast, but every so often the right ingredients are in place for an atmospheric river to develop on the East Coast," says Matt Grinter, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
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Atmospheric river effects can range from receiving necessary beneficial rain to destructive rainfall events, but fortunately for the East Coast, this is a pretty weak atmospheric river that will bring beneficial, but persistent rain to some communities across the region.
This persistent rain will last for 24 hours, finally easing from west to east by Saturday evening. Between 50-75 mm of rain is expected in many locals east of Quebec City, with the potential of up to 100 mm, locally.
Storm drains should be kept clear of leaves and debris to help with drainage.
"If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the rainfall warning for the region.
As much as 50 mm is forecast across parts of the Maritimes, though with locally higher amounts possible.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across eastern Canada.