Kalin Mitchell says Sunday nor'easter will bring snow to Maritimes

There are some significant similarities and differences between the low passing today and the one for Sunday and Monday.

Both systems are coastal low pressure systems. Both are passing by Nova Scotia before heading into Newfoundland. Both are bringing moisture off of the Atlantic and into the cold air that's currently in place.

The differences?

The passing low today is a very quick mover — through and past us in 24 hours. The track of the low is farther east, toward Sable Island. The end result is reduced precipitation and duration for the Maritimes.

In comparison, the low on Sunday will move more slowly. It will also track much closer to the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia.

This will increase the spread, intensity and duration of precipitation for the region. It will also increase the warm air brought off the Atlantic towards Nova Scotia leading to a wintry mix forecast for much of that province and eastern P.E.I.

In other words, snow will turn to ice pellets and freezing rain — and even a complete change to rain for some. Even for those areas that see that change, some significant accumulations will be seen.

Nova Scotia

Snow starts Sunday morning, before sunrise for those in the southwest of the province. Snow will be heavy at times and blowing around in high and gusty winds, limiting visibility.

The snow will change to ice pellets and freezing rain along the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia heading into the afternoon. The change should allow visibility to improve.

A further change to rain is expected east of Halifax, including much of the Eastern and North shores, as well as Cape Breton.

The turn to rain may result in localized flooding due to melting snow and ice, and blocked drainage systems.

Where colder air is expected to remain in place —​ Digby through the Annapolis Valley, Hants County and into Cumberland and Colchester Counties — local snowfall amounts may exceed 30 centimetres.

The heaviest precipitation falls during the day but periods of snow are expected Sunday night, into Monday morning in the wake of the passage of the low.

Peak wind gusts on Sunday look to be out of the northeast and in a range of 60 km/h to 90 km/h. Locally higher gusts above 90 km/h may be possible for exposed areas of the coast and in Inverness County.

New Brunswick

Snow begins in the south of the province early Sunday morning. From there, it will reach all corners of New Brunswick by early afternoon.

Snow will be heavy at times in central and southern parts of the province —​ Miramichi to McAdam and south.

Periods of blowing snow are expected and reduced visibility as a result. Snow will be heaviest during the day, but further periods of snow are expected Sunday night into Monday morning.

The highest snowfall amounts are expected for Moncton and the southeast, with totals tapering lower the farther northwest you are in the province.

Peak wind gusts on Sunday look to be out of the north and northeast and in a range of 60 to 80 km/h with gusts of more than 80 km/h along exposed areas of the coast.

Prince Edward Island

Snow begins in the morning, but likely after sunrise. It will be heavy at times with extensive blowing snow leading to restrictions to visibility.

In the afternoon, eastern areas of P.E.I. — Charlottetown and east — will likely see a mixing in or turn over to ice pellets.

Despite this, accumulations across the province look to be heavy. At this time, I have to keep all of P.E.I. in a range of 30 to 45 centimetres.

Snow will be heaviest during the day but further periods of snow are expected Sunday night into Monday morning. Peak wind gusts on Sunday look to be out of the northeast and in a range of 70 to 90 km/h.

Travel conditions will be hazardous on Sunday and those with flights should call and check flight statuses.

I treat these type of rapidly developing lows the same as a tropical storm or hurricane in that I fully expect to have to make updates as we get within 24 hours. 

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