Winter storm and flash freezing warnings blanket Maritimes
Maritimes should brace for another round of nasty winter weather today and early tomorrow
Environment Canada has issued more weather warnings, including flash freeze warnings for parts of Nova Scotia, as another nor'easter bears down on the Maritimes.
The system is expected to bring a mixed bag of precipitation to the Maritimes, with heavy snow across much of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. beginning late Monday morning.
Nearly all of Nova Scotia remains under a winter storm warning, and can expect anywhere between 20 and 45 centimetres of snow. With strong winds, visibility will likely be an issue for those out on the roads.
Several Nova Scotia counties are also under under heavy rainfall warnings and flash freezing warnings, including Guysborough, Halifax, Lunenburg, Queens, Richmond, Shelburne, Cape Breton and Yarmouth counties.
While many of those regions will get heavy snow, Environment Canada is also warning that these areas may see an additional 30 to 50 millimetres of rain. Localized flooding is possible in these areas as the frozen ground is unable to absorb all of that water.
"Snow will begin this afternoon but will change to rain for southern sections of Nova Scotia late this evening and overnight as the temperature rises above zero," according to Environment Canada.
"In the wake of the rainfall the temperatures will plummet to –10 C or lower before morning giving conditions for a flash freeze.
"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions."
Flash freeze warnings are issued when a rapid drop in temperature is expected, and it can cause water from rain or melted snow on streets and sidewalks to quickly freeze.
"Another brief shot of snow is expected Tuesday morning in the wake of the system. Conditions will gradually improve through the day on Tuesday as the low moves away," says Environment Canada.
Blizzard, extreme cold warnings for N.B.
The system bringing a mixed bag of precipitation to Nova Scotia is prompting blizzard and extreme cold warnings for New Brunswick.
Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.
All counties in that province, except Campbellton, Restigouche, Edmundston, Madawaska, Grand Falls, and Victoria are under a blizzard warning.
Those areas are expected to receive another 40 centimetres of snow, on top of the snow that fell during last week's storms.
Extreme cold warnings are also in place for Campbellton, Restigouche, Edmundston, Madawaska, Grand Falls and Victoria.
Moderate to strong northeasterly winds and bitterly cold air are combining to give extreme wind chill values of –35 C Monday and into Tuesday morning for the above counties.
The national weather service urges anyone out in the cold to dress appropriately to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
P.E.I. under blizzard, winter storm warnings
Prince County is under a blizzard warning with blowing snow and as much as 40 centimetres likely to fall.
Both Kings and Queens counties are under winter storm warnings with as much as 30 centimetres expected to fall by Tuesday morning.
Tuesday back to fair weather, but not for long
CBC meteorologist Peter Coade says the nasty weather will taper off Tuesday, but not for long.
"A ridge of high pressure will move across the Maritimes later on Tuesday, bringing a return to fair weather – but not to last," he says.
"Another disturbance will swing into the region later on Wednesday with some snow and/or rain for Thursday. As you can imagine, temperatures will be on another roller-coaster this week, starting out with extreme cold warning for much of the area."
With files from Peter Coade