A major system has its sights set on much of Atlantic Canada, with messy impacts likely through the first half of this weekend. Special weather statements already line the region, warning of the varying precipitation types and the deteriorating travel conditions expected.
An area of low pressure is forecast to travel up the U.S. eastern seaboard, intensifying as it tracks north, passing just south and east of Nova Scotia and then into western Newfoundland. This system will likely reach ‘weather bomb’ criteria as its minimum pressure falls 24 mb in just 24 hours.
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Heavy snow is likely on the back side of the storm Friday night and into Saturday, with between 15-25+ cm expected around the Bay of Fundy, much of Nova Scotia, southeastern New Brunswick, PEI and western Newfoundland. Several hours of freezing rain also threatens much of the interior of Newfoundland, which could slick up conditions in a hurry.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead based on the changing road conditions. Holiday travel plans are also likely in motion, so it’ll be important to stay weather-aware, and up-to-date on all of the warnings in your area. Widespread windy conditions are likely across the region, as well, with the risk for localized power outages. Be sure to charge up your devices before the storm moves in.
Ahead of the weekend system, an initial round of rain and snow will impact parts of the region through Thursday. Places like Moncton and Saint John, N.B., as well as Nova Scotia, and P.E.I., will remain as mostly rain with this first system, with the exception of a few higher elevation spots such as the Cobequid Pass, and the Cape Breton Highlands that will see snow.
Between 5-10 cm is forecast to accumulate across central and northern New Brunswick, including Fredericton, which could be enough to slick up roads and impact travel conditions at times. Snow also moves into western Newfoundland on Thursday, with coastal sections starting as rain and then transitioning over to snow. Eastern areas will remain as rain.
The second and stronger system will track south of the Maritimes Friday overnight, and then track into Newfoundland through the day on Saturday.
Because this system will track further south than the first round, this gives a higher potential of snow to southern New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Peak snowfall rates could reach up to 5 cm per hour at times.
Southeastern portions of Nova Scotia have the chance to transition to rain for part of the event, which could contribute to more of a slushy mess. It’s possible for some ice pellets to also fall in the Halifax area, but the greatest chance for the icy mix will be just east of the city.
There will be a swath of accumulating snow that could range from 15-25 cm, and even higher in some spots of Nova Scotia, PEI, southwest New Brunswick and western Newfoundland. Special weather statements are already in effect warning of this significant snowfall.
Eastern Newfoundland might see some flurries to start, but rain will be the primary precipitation type for the Avalon.
Western Newfoundland on the other hand, will be engulfed in snow by Saturday morning, with an area of freezing rain moving northwest through central parts of the island. A snowy, slushy, and icy mix is expected from Gander to Port aux Basques.
“Anyone planning travel should be prepared for adverse weather conditions,” warns Environment Canada in the special weather statement.
Winds will be breezy, so this will heighten the threat of whiteout conditions for parts of the Maritimes and western Newfoundland. Gusts between 50-70 km/h are forecast across the Maritimes, with even higher gusts up to 90 km/h possible for the Avalon.
The combination of wet snow and gusty winds may also result in localized power outages.
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Colder temperatures will flood in behind this system, so whatever snow is on the ground will stick around for Christmas.
Colder than seasonal temperatures will continue through early next week, then temperatures will rebound around the mid-week mark, with above seasonal temperatures expected for the end of the week. A mild pattern is expected for the final days of December and into the first week of January.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada.
