Maritime storm to bring significant rainfall, snow and wind

A major storm is making its way toward the Maritimes and expected to bring significant rainfall, as well as snow, freezing rain and high winds, to much of the region on Wednesday, according to Environment Canada.

Much of the Maritimes are under weather warnings and special weather statements as an intense low-pressure system approaches the region from the south.

Frozen ground across much of the region makes flooding events more likely as water cannot penetrate the ground, causing it to run off.

Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for parts of northern, central and northeastern New Brunswick, with 30 to 50 centimetres of snow expected to fall beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday.

Regions expecting snow include the AcadianPeninsula, theBathurstandChaleurregion, as well asCampbellton, Restigouche, Edmundston, Madawaska, Grand Falls, Victoria counties.

Southern New Brunswick, however, will see more rain and freezing rain as Environment Canada warns thatup to 90 millimetres is expected in some places.

"In many New Brunswick communities, the rain will be preceded by snow and freezing rain," says CBC meteorologist PeterCoade. "This system will become quite complex as it practically stalls over New England."

In Nova Scotia, Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings and special weather statements for the entire province, with up to 60 millimetres of rain expected by Wednesday evening. Strong wind warnings of up to 100 km/h have also been issued for Yarmouth, Shelburne and Inverness counties on Wednesday.

On P.E.I., heavy rainfall warnings and special weather statements are in effect across the Island. With rainfall amounts of up to 60 millimetres expected by Wednesday evening. In addition to the rain, Prince County is also under a strong wind warning.

The weather turmoil may make for some travel headaches.

"Areas to our west southern Ontario and southern Quebec will be affected as well by wind, snow, rain and freezing rain that will have an impact on travel such as aviation," saysCoade.

"Some clearing can be expected over the latter part of the week and, at this time, it looks like generally fair weather for the weekend with temperatures at, or slightly above, the normal for this time of December."