Back-to-back stormy, wintry systems take aim at Atlantic Canada
An active pattern is setting up over Atlantic Canada, bringing in back-to-back stormy systems that are sure to leave people wishing for spring
Atlantic Canada has already had its share of impactful winter storms so far this season, and unfortunately there will be no end in sight for the messy weather as an active pattern sets up over the region.
The jet stream is shifting northward over the region, staying put for the next two weeks and funnelling in back-to-back winter storms.
The series of stormy weather will kick off late in the week and over the weekend as two systems are pulled into the region. There will then be little reprieve as yet another system sets up for next week.
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Heavy snow mixed with moderate rains for some will create a slushy mess on roads and sidewalks, which will reduce friction and lead to slippery surfaces.
Strong wind gusts will also add to the mess, potentially knocking out power for some and reducing visibility for drivers.
Be sure to keep up-to-date on your local weather alerts and highway conditions before heading out this weekend.
First system tracks in on Thursday night
Snow will start in the western Maritimes Thursday evening, eventually engulfing the entirety of the Maritime provinces through the overnight.
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Most of the region is in for 5-10 cm of snowfall, with the heaviest of the snow falling during the overnight hours.
Nova Scotia's southern shores could also see some rain mixed in with the snow, which would lower totals but make for a much messier morning commute.
Winds will also begin to pick up across the Maritimes Thursday night, with gusts reaching 50-70 km/h. We could also see Les Suêtes winds reach 90 km/h.
By Friday morning, all of the snow and rain will have moved out of the Maritimes and into Newfoundland.
Snow will begin in western Newfoundland during the pre-dawn hours of Friday, reaching the Avalon before lunchtime. 5-15 cm of snow is possible across western Newfoundland, but totals will be limited elsewhere as the snow transitions to rain in the afternoon. We could see 10-20 mm of rain fall over the Avalon before the system leaves the region Friday evening.
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Gusting winds of up to 70-90 km/h will also reduce visibility for drivers across Newfoundland on Friday and could lend a hand to knocking out power as the heavy, wet snow puts extra strain on power lines.
Tougher round two moves into Atlantic Canada on Sunday
Another, potentially stronger, system will enter Atlantic Canada on Sunday morning, starting with the Maritimes.
If the snowy system maintains its track northward, we could see 10-20 cm of snow touch down over the southern Maritimes. Luckily, the snow will be out of the Maritime provinces in time for the Super Bowl game Sunday evening.
That leaves Newfoundland in the snow's end zone, with similar totals in store for the island Sunday night and into Monday.
Halifax and St. John's could even see their highest single-day snowfall totals for this season so far with this system.
The snow will fully move out of Atlantic Canada by Monday afternoon, when we'll be shifting our focus to the next system in line to impact the region next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Atlantic Canada.