Winter storm warning now in effect for P.E.I. on Saturday
Snow expected to begin near midnight Friday and continue into Saturday afternoon
Prince Edward Islanders can expect nearly 25 cm of snow and wind gusts of up to 80 km/h this weekend, says Environment Canada.
The weather agency issued a winter storm warning for all three P.E.I. counties late Friday morning. Warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.
Snow is expected to begin near midnight tonight and continue into Saturday afternoon.
CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland said snowfall of up to 30 cm is possible, especially in central and eastern P.E.I.
"In addition to snow-covered roads, poor visibility is also a concern for Saturday thanks to a strong northerly wind ... which may result in blowing and drifting snow," Scotland said.
"The steady snow should ease for most areas Saturday night into early Sunday, but a cold and brisk west-northwesterly wind may result in sea-effect snow bands downwind of the water, which may result in additional accumulation and poor visibility under persistent bands."
Similar storms in the past have caused hazardous driving conditions, cancellations of scheduled activities, disruptions to public services, scattered utility outages, delays or cancellations of ferry services and closures on the Confederation Bridge.