A significant winter storm moving across the United States this weekend will reach the Maritimes by Sunday night, bringing heavy snow, high winds, and blowing snow until Monday night. Snow accumulation is expected to range from 25 to 40 cm in Nova Scotia as the system exits by Tuesday.
Southern New Brunswick will also experience substantial snowfall, with amounts ranging from 15 to 25 cm, potentially reaching 30 cm along the Fundy coastline. The snow will be light and fluffy, making it easier to shovel, but also prone to blowing and drifting, especially in open areas.
Strong winds of 50 to 70+ km/h, with the highest gusts in southwest Nova Scotia, will accompany the storm, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue Yellow Alert Winter Storm and Snowfall Warnings for the region.
The snow will start in southwestern areas on Sunday evening, spreading eastward overnight and into Monday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the southwestern half of Nova Scotia on Sunday night and Monday morning, with rates of two to four centimeters per hour.
The Monday morning commute will be challenging in mainland Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick, with snow accumulation and continued snowfall. Cape Breton, P.E.I., and northern Nova Scotia will see the snow intensify throughout Monday, with windy conditions leading to blowing and drifting snow.
Snowfall will persist on Monday across most of the Maritimes, with northern Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick experiencing the heaviest rates in the afternoon and evening. The snow will gradually taper off from west to east by Tuesday, with onshore flurries and gusty winds lingering, especially in northern Cape Breton.
Central Nova Scotia and eastern New Brunswick will see flurries by mid-late Tuesday morning, followed by eastern Nova Scotia, with the possibility of snow squalls continuing into Tuesday night.