Elevated flood risk as Colorado low barrels into Atlantic Canada
A strong Colorado is bringing a bout of heavy rain to parts of Atlantic Canada, elevating the flood risk in low-lying areas. Besides rain, very strong wind gusts, and eventually snow, are forecast for the region
A strong Colorado low will move across much of Eastern Canada, elevating flood concerns with milder temperatures and heavy rain pushing through.
As much as 70+ mm of rain could fall across parts of the Maritimes, raising the first major flood risk of the season for the region. With recent frigid temperatures, river ice is strong, and the frozen ground will have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.
DON'T MISS: Get ahead of disaster: Six tips to manage flooding
Be sure to stay aware of the changing conditions and any weather alerts that are issued in your area.
Through Thursday: Heavy rain prompts warnings in New Brunswick
The heaviest rainfall will fall Wednesday night and into Thursday. Between 20-40 mm is forecast across northern New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with heavier amounts between 50-75 mm possible across portions of southern New Brunswick.
A widespread 10-20 mm is forecast in Newfoundland.
Closely watching the Saint John River basin
Luckily, the heaviest rain will be over the lower river basin of the Saint John River, where the snowpack is minimal.
The impressive snowpack in the upper Saint John River basin, however, can expect a significant melt.
RELATED: Navigating the challenges and opportunities of water management in dense cities
Thursday will bring the first double digit temperatures of the year for many parts of New Brunswick.
Icy impacts across Newfoundland Thursday
There's an increasing likelihood for about 2-3 hours of ice pellets or freezing rain for the Trans-Canada Highway from Corner Brook to St. John’s, Newfoundland on Thursday afternoon, before the precipitation changes over to rain.
A few days of colder weather are expected as the storm departs the region.
A return to snow is forecast behind the cold front, first starting in New Brunswick on Friday afternoon, then reaching Newfoundland by Friday night.
WATCH: Mild weather raises local flooding risk in Atlantic Canada
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada.