East Coast: Dangerous blizzard conditions, 30+ cm of snow follow excessive rain
The ultimate weather whiplash will strike parts of the East Coast to end this week, with a massive wintry blow following mild temperatures and excessive rainfall. Brace for significant impacts to travel and power heading into the weekend
This week will have it all in terms of weather for parts of the East Coast.
After days of rain and a heightened flood threat, winter storm watches are in effect as conditions take a quick turn to end off the week. Heavy snow, strong winds, and the potential for dangerous blizzard conditions are all on the table for parts of Cape Breton and across much of western and northern Newfoundland.
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As much as 25-50+ cm of snowfall is possible for western Newfoundland, with 10-25 cm, potentially, near Cape Breton.
Needless to say, driving conditions will be hazardous, so plan ahead now and postpone any non-essential travel, if possible.
Rain intensifies again Wednesday evening
More persistent rain is expected for Cape Breton, N.S., and western Newfoundland through Thursday.
The heavy rain is expected to ease slightly Wednesday, then intensify again through the evening and overnight hours. As much as 100-200+ mm of rain is expected throughout this event.
This amount of rain could lead to some flooding and road washouts, and vehicles can be swept away by the fast-flowing water. Be cautious of any water on the roads –– “turn around, don’t drown."
Winds will not be an issue Wednesday, fortunately.
The high pressure over the North Atlantic is going to spare St. John’s, N.L., with very little rain in the forecast. A stray shower is possible, but compared to the western half of Newfoundland, the Avalon Peninsula will not be impacted.
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Dangerous blizzard conditions follow excessive rain
It’s back to winter in drastic fashion, with dangerous winter storm travel conditions expected Thursday and Friday expected.
Cold air will funnel in by Thursday morning, allowing temperatures to fall quite rapidly.
A weather 180 is forecast in Cape Breton and western Newfoundland, with heavy rain changing over to heavy snowfall. The transition will commence with a couple hours of freezing rain potential before the full switch over to snow. This will provide an unassuming, yet very dangerous, sheet of ice beneath the snow. Wind gusts will also pick up through the day, reaching 40-80+ km/h.
This combination will likely reduce visibility along the western stretch of Newfoundland’s Trans-Canada Highway. Blowing snow and blizzard-like conditions are forecast through the day Thursday. It is advised to postpone any non-essential travel in this region.
By Friday, snowfall rates will lighten and move east towards St. John’s. But, strengthening winds may lead to further blowing and drifting snowfall over the island.
Between 25-50+ cm of snowfall is on the table for western Newfoundland, with 15-30 cm for central sections, and less than 5 cm for the Avalon. Lesser totals, in the range of 10-25 cm, may stack up near Cape Breton.
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Fair weather is expected across the region for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with mild temperatures expected.
A significant and messy system is possible later in the week.
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Stay with The Weather Network for the latest updates across Atlantic Canada.