Disruptive storm eyes Atlantic Canada with significant, wintry impacts

Winter will be giving the East Coast another major blast this week, with the second of two systems expected to be rather impactful and messy on Thursday and Friday.

SPRING 2024: Get an in-depth look at the Spring Forecast, tips to plan for it, and much more!

While confidence has grown that the Maritimes will see less icy impacts from the storm, the risk still exists in Cape Breton, N.S., and the Burin and Avalon peninsulas in Newfoundland. Meanwhile, the hardest-hit areas on the East Coast could see 30-50+ mm of rainfall and 20-60 cm of snowfall.

Residents can expect hazardous driving conditions, traffic delays and possible road closures, and scattered power outages, as well. Plan ahead if you're doing any travelling and ensure electronic devices are charged.

Thursday morning and afternoon: Rain gets heavy for some, transitioning to mixed precipitation or snow for others

An impactful system will continue tracking south of Atlantic Canada on Thursday. Milder temperatures will be in place as the precipitation starts across the Maritimes.

Through Thursday morning, colder temperatures will then shift south, with most of the rain transitioning to snow across much of New Brunswick and P.E.I. However, some mixed precipitation is expected as rain moves over to snow, especially for parts of Cape Breton, N.S.

As the day progresses, precipitation rates will intensify, with rain getting heavier at times in southern Nova Scotia.

Across the Gulf, snow begins along the southern coastlines of Newfoundland, building across the island and into St. John’s in the late afternoon.

During this time, motorists can anticipate driving conditions to rapidly change and worsen as the storm ramps up. Consider postponing non-essential travel. The risk of power outages and flooding increases.

Thursday overnight: Colder air moves in, snow picks up in Newfoundland with blizzard-like conditions possible

Precipitation rates will ease in the Maritimes, but it won't end. Colder air moves south during this time, bringing a slight risk of snow and mixed precipitation across Nova Scotia.

Story continues

Newfoundland will also see precipitation rates strengthen during this time, with blizzard-like conditions for coastal areas. Strong, sustained winds for Newfoundland, including much of the Avalon, in the overnight period.

A warm front noses into southern Avalon and Burin peninsulas in the evening, providing an ice pellet environment that continues overnight.

Friday: Precipitation ends in the Maritimes, but will persist in Newfoundland

The Maritimes will see precipitation come to an end in the morning, with final rainfall totals of 30-50+mm in southwestern Nova Scotia. Localized flooding will remain a concern. Snowfall totals of 20-40 cm is possible for areas of western New Brunswick and P.E.I.

In Newfoundland, ice pellets and snowfall accumulations will persist through the day Friday. Blustery wind gusts of 60-80+ km/h will linger Friday evening in the Avalon and Burin, possibly increasing power outages amid blowing snow.

In terms of snowfall, how far north the ice pellets go could dictate the amount of snow for St. John’s. A slight shift may mean significantly less snow, but as of now, 40-60 cm of snowfall is expected.

Another system is expected to track into Maine on Sunday and bring unsettled weather to the region starting in the overnight period, then continuing through early next week.

The exact storm track and local impacts are still highly uncertain, but this system could deliver significant winter weather to parts of the region.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada.