Long-weekend storm could bring hazardous travel conditions, power outages to P.E.I.

A Sunday storm is brewing, and it's also set to usher in Islander Day with a mixture of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and wind across P.E.I. 

Environment Canada has issued weather warnings for all three of Prince Edward Island's counties starting early this evening and continuing into the holiday Monday.  

Snowfall and wind warnings are in effect for Prince County, while Queens and Kings counties are under freezing rain and wind warnings. 

The heaviest snow and ice-pellet accumulation will likely fall over western P.E.I., with the latest information showing 10-to-20-plus centimetres possible this evening and overnight, said CBC P.E.I. meteorologist Jay Scotland. 

"My main concerns are for snowy/icy roads, poor visibility, and potential outages due to the combination of strong winds and freezing rain," Scotland said. 

"Regardless of what warning is in effect for your part of the Island, all three counties see the risk for snow, ice-pellets, freezing rain and strong winds from this storm."  

The Confederation Bridge's site-specific weather forecast warns that wind conditions beginning Sunday around 11 a.m. could result in travel restrictions until around 4 a.m. Monday. 

As of noon Sunday, two arrivals and two departures at Charlottetown Airport were cancelled, with a third evening departure delayed by about four hours.  

Snow will begin to fall early Sunday evening and become heavier through the evening hours. In addition to snowy roads, a 25-50 km/h easterly wind this evening will also impact visibility due to blowing and drifting snow, especially for exposed areas. 

Mixing with ice-pellets is also possible late this evening as the temperature begins to rise, said Scotland. 

Overnight, a strong 40-to-70-plus km/h southeasterly wind will develop, which will see the temperature begin to climb. 

"As warm air initially arrives at the upper levels, icy precipitation is my main concern while surface temperatures remain below freezing until early Monday morning," Scotland said. "Ice pellets and freezing rain will significantly impact travel conditions and outages are also possible due to the combination of snow, ice and strong winds." 

Wintry mix throughout Monday

Freezing rain should transition to lighter rain showers or drizzle by Monday morning as the temperature nudges just above the freezing mark for most areas, before falling again. Surfaces could still be icy and additional power outages remain concern thanks to a 40 to 80-plus km/h southerly to southwesterly wind.

Temperatures are expected to drop back below freezing by early Monday afternoon, which means wet surfaces will once again freeze up. 

Precipitation will be lighter and will transition back to flurries, although poor visibility and possible outages are likely for exposed areas due to a wind gusts of 50-to-90-plus km/h.

By Monday evening, flurries and periods of light snow will continue with a persistent 50-to-90-plus km/h westerly wind that will continue to affect travel conditions through poor visibility and icy surfaces.