Updated on Dec. 19, 2024, 2:43 PM
Special weather statements line much of Atlantic Canada for a high impact winter storm that will bring a messy mix of rain, ice and significant snow this weekend
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.
