24 Mar 2022 | 10:41 AM UTC
Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast over southeastern regions through at least March 26 /update 1
Severe winter weather conditions forecast across parts of southeastern Canada through at least March 26. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Freezing rain, winter storm conditions, and heavy snowfall are forecast to impact parts of southeastern Canada through at least March 26. Light snow transitioning to freezing rain is expected across parts of central and southern New Brunswick, central and eastern Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island from late March 24-March 25. Winter storm conditions are likely in parts of northern New Brunswick, far eastern Nova Scotia, and the Magdalen Islands throughout March 24 and heavy snowfall is expected in parts of eastern Quebec March 24-25.
As of March 24, Environment Canada has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red freezing rain warnings: Fredericton and Southern York County, Fundy National Park, Grand Lake and Queens County, Kent County, Kouchibouguac National Park, Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick, Oromocto and Sunbury County, Stanley-Doaktown-Blackville Area, Sussex-Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County, and Woodstock and Carleton County in New Brunswick; Antigonish, Colchester County-Cobequid Bay, Colchester County-Truro and south, Colchester County North, Cumberland County-Minas Shore, Cumberland County North and Cobequid Pass, Guysborough County, and Pictou County in Nova Scotia; and Kings, Prince, and Queens counties in Prince Edward Island.
Red Les Suetes wind warnings: Inverness County-Mabou and north in Nova Scotia.
Yellow winter storm warnings: Acadian Peninsula, Bathurst and Chaleur Region, Campbellton and Restigouche County, Edmundston and Madawaska County, Grand Falls and Victoria County, Miramichi and area, and Mount Carleton-Renous Highway in New Brunswick; Inverness County-Mabou and north, Inverness County-south of Mabou, Richmond County, Sydney Metro and Cape Breton County, and Victoria County in Nova Scotia; and the Magdalen Islands in Quebec.
Special weather statements: for snowfall accumulations March 25-26 for Anticosti, Forillon National Park-Gaspe-Perce, Minganie, new Carlisle-Chandler, and Sept-Iles-Port-Cartier in Quebec.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Snow accumulations are likely across the affected area. Lesser snowfall totals are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with snow. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport and Utilities
The inclement weather will likely cause widespread ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
