Warnings are widespread for a rapidly strengthening low will that will bring in heavy rain and snow, as well as gusty and potentially damaging winds to parts of Atlantic Canada through Friday. Gusts of 60-80 km/h are expected for the Maritimes, with stronger gusts exceeding 100 km/h forecast across parts of Newfoundland.
This low could potentially drop 24 mb in 24 hours, which would fulfill the criteria for a ‘weather bomb.’
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Newfoundland and Labrador will bear the brunt of this storm, with very heavy rain and snowfall rates, as well as the most powerful winds. For some, these will be the strongest winds of the year, so far. This could lead to dangerous travel conditions, as well as ferry delays and cancellations, and the risk for power outages, as well.
Below is a more detailed look at the forecast.
Thursday into Friday: Heavy rain, strong winds and snow move through the region
The same low-pressure system that brought the first widespread snow across Ontario and Quebec will continue to strengthen, potentially dropping 24 mb in 24 hours and reaching weather bomb criteria.
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As it does, winds and precipitation rates will greatly increase across Atlantic Canada into Friday.
Across the Maritimes, the snow will start Thursday, changing over to rain for Nova Scotia, PEI and southern New Brunswick.
That rain intensifies through Thursday afternoon, with a widespread 20-40 mm likely. Locally higher amounts are possible.
For areas in central and northern New Brunswick, heavier snow totals are forecast through Thursday, and some places could see between 10-20+ cm by the time all is said and done. A snowfall warning is in effect.
“Similar storms in the past have caused difficult driving conditions and scattered utility outages,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning.
Schools across central and northern parts of the province closed early Thursday due to the deteriorating conditions.
Wind gusts of 60-80 km/h are expected to pick up for the Maritimes, with stronger gusts exceeding 100 km/h forecast across parts of Newfoundland through Friday.
Newfoundland and Labrador will bear the brunt of the impacts as the storm reaches peak strength.
Rain will begin along the Burgeo shores late Thursday, falling at over 10 mm/h at times. Snow will spread across the northeast, but the rain will eventually win out by early Friday morning as the system tracks north. Between 50-75+ mm of rain could fall in some of the harder-hit areas.
SEE ALSO: Rain, rain, go away: St. John’s records its all-time wettest November
If you have to travel, make sure to stay updated on local resources for current road conditions and closures.
Dangerous blizzard conditions in Labrador
Winds will roar between 90 – 110 km/h across the island, which could lead to power outages through the event. These will likely be the strongest winds of the year for places like St. John’s, and Gander.
Meanwhile, intense blizzard conditions will threaten Labrador through the day on Friday.
With powerful winds nearing 80-100 km/h, and heavy snowfall rates ranging from 2-5+ cm an hour, poor visibility and dangerous whiteouts are likely.
Travel will be near impossible, so be sure to plan ahead and stock up on necessary supplies. Between 10-20+ cm of snow is forecast as the storm moves through.
Much milder air will spread into the region early next week, along with two significant low pressure systems. The storm tracks and impacts are still uncertain, but primarily rain appears to be most likely for most of the population. Above seasonal temperatures are expected to dominate during mid December.