Atlantic Canada under snow, rain and wind warnings

A powerful noreaster is pounding the Maritimes, bringing a combination of snow, rain, freezing rain and high winds to much of Atlantic Canada and parts of Quebec.

Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for eastern Quebec and northern New Brunswick, where as much as 40 centimetres of snow could fall. Thesame area is also under wind warnings with gusts of up to 90 km/h expected.

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"In addition, higher than normal water levels associated with storm surgeand large waves are possible late this afternoon and this evening along the Acadian coastline," according to the national weather services website.

"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Prepare for quicklychanging and deteriorating travel conditions. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas."

Southern New Brunswick, and all of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are all under heavy rainfall warnings.

Flooding is being reported across parts of the Maritimes. In Halifax, the busy Bedford Highway was closed Wednesday afternoon after more than 60 centimetres of water pooled on the road.

CBC meteorologist Kalin Mitchell says this storm is not over.

"We're not done with this early December storm, not by a long shot.There have already been some impressive rainfall amounts particularly in the southwest of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick [where Grand Manan currently leads with 95 millimetres of rain]," says Mitchell.

"Snow has also accumulated to more than 20 centimetres in parts of far northern New Brunswick. Even western areas of P.E.I. are starting to come in with unofficial reports of 40 to 60 millimetres of rain so far. Much more in the way of rain and snow is still on the way."

Rain totals are expected tobe highest in the Annapolis Valley and South Shore, with totals of 60 millimetres to 100 millimetres.

Much of P.E.I. will also see between 60 and 100 millimetres of rain, with high winds gusting up to 90 km/h.,

According to Mitchell, Hants, Cumberland and Colchester counties as well as the Halifax area and much of the Eastern Shore will see rain totals of 40 millimetres to 60 millimetres.

"Only parts of the North Shore and Cape Breton are likely to see lower totals of 20 millimetres to 40 millimetres. There will be some thunderstorms and winds will become strong and gusty out of the east on Wednesday," says Mitchell.

"Gusts of 70 km/h to 90 km/h are expected, with stronger gusts of more than 100 km/h in Inverness County, due to the topography of the Cape Breton Highlands."

Storm closures

There have not been many closures and cancellations Wednesday morning, however, a few scattered power outages have been reported in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I.

High winds in the region have also prompted a warning from Confederation Bridge officialsthat there could be traffic restrictions or closures later Wednesday afternoon or overnight.

Everything is on time at the Charlottetown airport, but connections may be in question.

Northumberland Ferries between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia have also been cancelled until further notice, due to weather.

CBC meteorologist Peter Coade says there likely wont be any sunny breaks until sometime Thursday.

"While much of the precipitation will be letting up on Thursday, this feature in a slightly less intense state will continue to affect the Maritimes through the weekend," he says.

"Although some sunny breaks can be expected on Thursday in some communities, there is not much in the way of widespread clearing until the beginning of next week."

Above-normal temperatures, for this time of year, are expected to persist through the weekend and into next week for much of the Maritimes.