N.B. weather warning calls for icy mix overnight, heavy rain, winds on Wednesday
Environment Canada says freezing rain in evening hours will turn into rain and strong wind
Western and southern New Brunswick are in for a messy few days.
Environment Canada has put out freezing rain and rainfall warnings for Fredericton, Saint John, Edmundston and St. Stephen.
There's some uncertainty around the duration and intensity of precipitation but the freezing rain could last for four to six hours overnight.
"Initially it may fall as ice pellets or freezing drizzle for a period, followed by freezing rain before transitioning to rain on Wednesday," Environment Canada said.
Following the freezing rain, an intense low-pressure system will bring 25-40 mm of rain to western regions and the Fundy Coast, from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning. Winds of 80-90 km/h will accompany the rain.
The eastern half of the province, which includes Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst and Campbellton, is under a special weather statement from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning. Winds of 70-80 km/h are forecast along with up to 25 mm of rain.
"We're looking at some unsettled conditions over the next couple of days, there's no question about that," said CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon.
The heaviest rain will come Wednesday night through Thursday morning, he said.
"The risk for [power] outages is going to be widespread with this ... make sure you are prepared for at least 72 hours of outage potential," Snoddon said.
Temperatures will then hover around freezing over the weekend, he added.