A strong, soggy, and messy storm takes aim at Atlantic Canada as we end this first week of December.
A rapidly strengthening low will bring in heavy rain and snow, as well as gusty and potentially damaging winds. Gusts over 100 km/h are forecast across parts of the region through Friday.
This low could potentially drop 24 mb in 24 hours, which would fulfill the criteria for a ‘weather bomb.’
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Newfoundland and Labrador will bear the brunt of this storm, with very heavy rain and snowfall rates, as well as the strongest winds. This could lead to dangerous travel conditions, and the risk for power outages, as well.
The same low pressure system that’s bringing the first widespread snow across Ontario and Quebec will strengthen through, potentially dropping 24 mb in 24 hours and reaching weather bomb criteria.
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As it does, winds and precipitation rates will greatly strengthen across Atlantic Canada through Friday.
Across the Maritimes, the snow will start Thursday, changing over to rain for Nova Scotia, PEI and southern New Brunswick.
That rain intensifies through Thursday afternoon, with a widespread 10-20 mm likely. Locally higher amounts are possible, with winds increasing to 60-80+ km/h across the east. Across central and northern New Brunswick, heavier snow totals are forecast, and some areas could see between 10-20 cm by the time all is said and done.
Newfoundland and Labrador will bear the brunt of impacts as the storm reaches peak strength.
Rain will begin along the Burgeo shores late Thursday, falling at over 10 mm/h at times. Snow will spread across the northeast, but the rain will eventually win out by Friday morning as the system tracks north. Between 50-75+ mm of rain could fall in some of the harder-hit areas.
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Winds will roar between 90- 110 km/h across the island, which could lead to power outages through the event. These will likely be the strongest winds of the year for places like St. John’s, and Gander.
Labrador should gear up for near blizzard conditions through the day on Friday.
With powerful winds, and heavy snowfall rates ranging from 2-5+ cm an hour, poor visibility and dangerous whiteouts are likely.
Travel will be near impossible, so be sure to plan ahead and stock up on necessary supplies.
Between 10-20+ cm of snow is forecast as the storm moves through.
Much milder air will spread into the region early next week, along with two significant low pressure systems. The storm tracks and impacts are still uncertain, but primarily rain appears to be most likely for most of the population. Above seasonal temperatures are expected to dominate during mid December.
