Snow, rain, high winds in store for much of the Maritimes

The Maritimes can expect stormy weather starting Saturday afternoon, with parts of New Brunswick in line for significant snowfall, according to Environment Canada.

Central and northeastern parts of New Brunswick could receive up to 40 centimetres of snow through Saturday evening and into Sunday.

Those living in the Doaktown-Blackville region as well as Miramichi and area will be at a risk of freezing rain overnight.

Rapid accumulation of snow will make travel difficult, according to the national forecaster.

Edmundston and Madawaska County and western parts of Restigouche County will see up to 20 centimetres of snow.

Meanwhile, the regions near the Fundy coast, northern Charlotte, Sussex-Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County will receive rainfall of 40-50 millimetres or more starting Saturday evening.

Risk of flooding

There will be up to 10 centimetres of snow before the changeover to rain in the evening. There is the possibility of localized flooding in areas with poor drainage.

Saturday's Saint John-Digby ferry crossing was moved ahead to 1 p.m. from 4 p.m. due to the forecast.

A special weather statement for Moncton and southeast New Brunswick states the area will receive a mix of snow, ice and rain.

The areas of St. Stephen and Charlotte County will also receive a mix with three to six hours of freezing rain and up to 30 centimetres of snow.

Nova Scotia and P.E.I

Mainland Nova Scotia will receive anywhere from 25 to 50 millimetres of rain beginning Saturday evening extending into Sunday.

The region from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence in Cape Breton will receive wind gusts of 110 km/h or higher. The wind will begin Saturday night and extend into Sunday afternoon.

Marine Atlantic has cancelled service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques for Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

There is a special weather statement for Prince County, P.E.I. Environment Canada says there will be a significant winter storm with mixed precipitation.

There will be a snowfall of up to 15 centimetres. It will change to rain on Saturday night and back to snow or ice pellets Sunday morning, with chances of freezing rain.