A significant winter storm is forecast to impact much of New Brunswick, Canada, beginning Monday afternoon and lasting through Tuesday morning, potentially disrupting travel and daily life.
Environment Canada has issued warnings for substantial snowfall, with accumulations of 15 to 25 centimeters (approximately 6 to 10 inches) expected, and localized higher amounts possible. Strong winds, gusting up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph), are also anticipated, creating blowing snow conditions and reduced visibility.
The weather system is expected to affect most of New Brunswick, with the exception of the Madawaska, Restigouche, and Victoria County regions, where impacts will be less severe. The approaching storm underscores the challenges of winter weather in the region.
“An intense low pressure system tracking across Nova Scotia Monday night is expected to bring hazardous conditions to portions of New Brunswick,” Environment Canada stated in its weather bulletin. “Snowfall warning may be issued for any region impacted by this bulletin, but according to current forecasts, the worst conditions are expected along the Fundy coast and southeastern New Brunswick.”
Coastal areas facing east in the Northumberland Strait may also experience higher than normal water levels on Tuesday. The anticipated snowfall could make travel tricky or dangerous, and strong winds will further reduce visibility.
A winter storm warning has been issued for the Saint John region, where exposed areas could see wind gusts reaching 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph). “Travel will likely be challenging. Road closures are possible. Consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve,” the warning stated Sunday.
School and road closures, as well as power outages, are possible as the storm moves through. Environment Canada and MétéoMédia are forecasting several more snowfall events before the finish of February and the arrival of meteorological spring on March 1.
Between 1 and 10 centimeters (less than 4 inches) of snow could fall across various parts of the province on Thursday, Friday, and next Sunday. However, a notable warming trend is expected late next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 5°C (41°F) in central and southern New Brunswick.
