Winter storm warnings blanket Atlantic Canada
Lighter snow expected to start this morning in western N.B. and move east overnight
No, April Fools' Day has not come early. Atlantic Canada is indeed in for yet another winter storm.
Environment Canada has various warnings of the wintry kind out for much of Canada's East Coast.
A low pressure system over the Gulf of Maine will develop this afternoon and intensify as it tracks south of Nova Scotia.
According to CBC meteorologist Peter Coade, the slow moving system will crawl east on Wednesday toward Newfoundland.
"This newly developed centre will intensify as it moves along to the south of Nova Scotia overnight tonight and into Wednesday morning," Coade said.
The entire province of Nova Scotia, except for Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, is under snowfall and winter storm warnings. Both Kings County and Queens County on P.E.I. are also under snowfall warnings.
Areas of eastern Nova Scotia, including Halifax, will receive up to 30 centimetres of snow, combined with winds gusting to 70 km/h, which will cause visibility problems.
Western and southern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and eastern P.E.I. are forecast to receive 15 to 20 centimetres by Wednesday evening.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions," states Environment Canada.
"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas."
Newfoundland still feeling effects of last storm
Northeastern Newfoundland is currently under a blizzard warning from the system that slammed the Maritimes and parts of the island of Newfoundland over the last few days. Much of Newfoundland remains under a winter storm watch ahead of this latest storm.
The southern half of New Brunswick will get off easy compared to most of Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Southwestern New Brunswick should see some of the snow beginning Wednesday morning before it continues to track eastward.
The snow will taper to flurries over western regions of N.B. this morning and over eastern regions Wednesday evening. Strong winds will give reduced visibility in blowing snow as well.
"There is still uncertainty surrounding the intensity and track of this system. If there is a small change in the track and/or intensity, warnings may have to be issued for southern New Brunswick," according to Environment Canada.
"The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended."
With files from CBC meteorologist Peter Coade