Snow, ice and rain hit the East Coast ahead of plunging temperatures

More stormy weather sweeps into Atlantic Canada Tuesday, with snow, ice and rain likely enough to cause travel delays for parts of the region. Commute times on Wednesday will be especially impacted across Newfoundland as gusty winds and blowing snow reduce visibilities.

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Arctic air will spill over the East Coast for the latter half of the week, with the coldest air of the season poised to wrap around the back side of the system.

Snow, ice and rain: Widespread storm warnings span the East Coast

Warnings are widespread across much of Atlantic Canada, as a system on Tuesday threatens everything from snow to ice and flooding rains. Precipitation types and amounts will depend on your location.

The trough allowing cold air to pour out of Ontario and Quebec will force a broad low-pressure system to develop over New England and track toward Atlantic Canada by the middle of the week.

We'll watch the low move into the Maritimes through Tuesday, spreading a mix of snow to the north, rain to the south, and a mix of all wintry precipitation types somewhere in between.

A widespread 5-10 cm of snow is expected, with heavier amounts up to 20 cm likely in central and northern sections of the region. Snow and winter storm warnings cover parts of New Brunswick, with poor road conditions and the potential for closures on the line. Several hours of freezing rain could also result in slick travel.

"Evaluate the possibility of delaying any non-essential travel until conditions improve," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning.

Through the evening and overnight hours, all of Nova Scotia is expected to transition over to rain, along with the Fundy shores of New Brunswick.

By Wednesday morning, the system will have moved out of the Maritimes and into Newfoundland after dropping a widespread 10-20 mm of rain. Rainfall warnings have been issued across parts of Nova Scotia, with the threat for localized flooding.

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"Clear any ice and debris from storm drains to facilitate local drainage,' ECCC says. "Torrential rains can cause flash flooding and accumulation of water on roads."

Snow followed by mixed icy precipitation, and a brief period of rain is expected in Newfoundland through Wednesday.

Gusty winds and blowing snow will also make for hazardous travel, especially during the Wednesday morning commute, when conditions are expected to deteriorate across the island.

Precipitation ends for Newfoundland by Wednesday evening, followed by a round of sea-effect flurries that will develop overnight through Thursday.

A strong cool down is forecast later this week, bringing some of the coolest weather of the season so far, as the Arctic air finally spills over the East Coast.

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You can expect temperatures at least 5°C below seasonal to finish off the week, with daytime highs forecast to be well below freezing.

The one bright spot is that this push of frigid continental air will also shove the active storm track offshore.

Check back for all the latest on your forecast across Atlantic Canada.

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