Triple threat of strong winds, snow, and rain take aim at Atlantic Canada
Another mighty storm will track across Atlantic Canada Thursday evening and Friday with heavy rain, intense winds and very mild, possibly record-breaking, temperatures. This will be followed by a sharp temperature drop and potential rapid freeze.
Millions of Canadians will be impacted by a messy storm that will be charging its way through Eastern Canada over the next couple of days. For Atlantic Canada, effects of a potent system will begin to filter in Thursday evening, with winds intensifying and showers moving in, eventually transitioning into heavier rain Friday morning. Residents are advised to clear storm drains and prepare in advance in case of power outages More on the timing and impacts, below.
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If you plan on driving or travelling over the next couple of days, you'll want to monitor the weather closely as some adjustments may be required.
Widespread freezing rain and rainfall warnings are in effect across the Atlantic region ahead of the impending cold front that's set to bring rain, snow and potentially a brief period of freezing rain or ice pellets. Storm drains, gutters, and downspouts should be cleared in preparation for rain and melting snow.
The effects of the storm will push into the western Maritimes Thursday evening, with showers and southwesterly winds ramping up. Showers will intensify into periods of heavy rain early Friday morning ahead of a cold front.
On Friday afternoon, temperatures will rapidly fall below zero in the Maritimes from west to east with the passage of the cold front. As it passes through, a brief period of freezing rain or ice pellets may occur before a transition to flurries. Standing water on untreated roads or walkways may quickly freeze leading to hazardous conditions. Precipitation and wind will taper off on Friday evening.
Rainfall totals could hit 40 mm in parts of southern Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, so the risk for flooding will be elevated due to snowmelt and ice jams.
In addition to the heavy rain, strong southwesterly winds will intensify in the Maritimes Thursday overnight through midday Friday. Wind gusts could hit 80-100 km/h across Nova Scotia. Similar storms in the past have caused utility outages.
In Newfoundland, temperatures will rise above zero near noon Thursday, eventually getting to the upper single digits overnight and then persisting through Friday. Showers or periods of rain and drizzle will become heavy rain Friday afternoon. The mild temperatures and rain may lead to significant snowmelt, water pooling, and possible flooding.
Rainfall totals in Newfoundland will be higher than in the Maritimes Scotia, with the heaviest confined to western and northern locales. As high as 50-75 mm is possible in these regions bringing the same risk for localized flooding. Upwards of 30 mm is possible along portions of the southern sections of the island.
Meanwhile, snowfall amounts will be heaviest in Newfoundland with the greatest accumulations in the northern and western coastal sections. Anywhere from 15-50 cm is anticipated. Northern New Brunswick may see 15-30 cm of snow.
Intense southerly winds are also anticipated in southern Newfoundland, potentially gusting upwards of 80-100 km/h.
The rain and wind will in Newfoundland then taper off overnight Friday during this time as winds shift to the northwest. This will cause temperatures to rapidly fall back below freezing, bringing the risk of a rapid freeze.
Beyond the system, temperatures will be near seasonal for the weekend as the system departs the region. It will then turn much milder for a few days next week.
Check back for the latest on conditions across Atlantic Canada.