Winter storm descending upon N.S., P.E.I., expected to last into Monday

Another round of wintry weather is moving through Nova Scotia and P.E.I. on Sunday and will continue into Monday, with more snow and gusty winds, followed by frigid temperatures.

A coastal storm tracking just south of the Maritimes is expected to strengthen quickly throughout Sunday and Monday and turn into a weather bomb, as it drops more than 24 millibars of pressure in 24 hours.

The rapid strengthening of the system means areas in the eastern Maritimes will experience a more intense storm, with heavier snow and stronger winds, than those in the west. The system is also anticipated to slam into Newfoundland.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall across parts of northeastern Nova Scotia, with 20-40 centimetres of snow. Totals could reach 50 centimetres locally for higher-terrain areas, especially in the Cape Breton Highlands.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued yellow alert winter storm and snowfall warnings, as well as special weather statements for parts of the Maritimes.

Lesser amounts are likely elsewhere, however a disruptive snowfall around 10 -15 centimetres is likely for much of Nova Scotia.

P.E.I. snowfall totals could range from near five to 10 centimetres in the west, and up to 20 to 30 centimetres in the east.

The snow, combined with gusty northwest winds could mean the system disrupts] travel across both provinces.

Southeast New Brunswick, including Moncton, could see five to 10 centimetres.

Northumberland Ferries is warning that the storm may cause service delays or cancellations throughout Sunday and Monday between Nova Scotia and P.E.I.

Storm timeline

The snowy conditions are expected to ramp up throughout Sunday in Nova Scotia and P.E.I., becoming steadier into the evening and overnight hours.

Some rain is also likely to mix in along the Atlantic coast across Guysborough, Richmond and Cape Breton counties Sunday afternoon and into the overnight.

The winds are expected to remain benign for much of Sunday before strengthening overnight as they shift to the northwest.

By Monday morning, the heaviest snow will have departed from southwestern Nova Scotia, with a small chance of flurries and blowing snow lingering for places like Halifax, the south shore and the Annapolis Valley. Wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 km/h.

Winter storm conditions will continue Monday morning for northeast Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Heavy snow and strong winds gusting up to 70 to 80 km/h could leadi to blowing and drifting snow.

Hazardous travel across Highway 104, from the Cobequid Mountains to Truro and onto Cape Breton, is expected.

Conditions will slowly improve across Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore and in P.E.I. throughout Monday afternoon as the snow tapers off. Lingering flurries and gusty winds will still lead to blowing and drifting snow.

Winter storm conditions will continue for Cape Breton's Inverness and Victoria counties right through Monday afternoon, with scattered flurries and gusty winds for southeastern parts of the Island.

Gusty northwest winds will linger through Monday evening, before tapering off overnight and into Tuesday morning. Those winds will usher in a cooler air mass.

Temperatures will fall throughout Monday across Nova Scotia and tumble further overnight. Wind chills will be in the –15 to –20 range across the province from Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.

Temperatures are expected to rise again next week with some rain likely to follow.

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