SACKVILLE, N.B. – Area residents are being warned to brace for hazardous winter conditons tomorrow.
Environment Canada’s latest winter storm warning for Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick states a developing low pressure system east of Florida will intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes from the southwest. The intense storm centre will track near the Bay of Fundy Thursday night and into the Gulf of St Lawrence Friday morning.
“Snow at times heavy and blowing snow will develop on Thursday morning across southern New Brunswick and will spread to northern regions by early afternoon.”
– Environment Canada.
"On Thursday evening the snow will change to a mixture of freezing rain and ice pellets and finally to rain over most eastern regions.
“Total snowfall amounts ranging from 25 to 40 centimetres are expected with this system. Rainfall amounts of up to 10 millimetres can be expected for regions east of a line extending from Bathurst to Grand Lake Thursday night. Parts of the Fundy coast however will see heavier rain with anywhere from 20 to 30 millemetres expected over those regions.”
The storm warning goes on to state that Northeasterly winds will steadily increase Thursday ahead of the storm, likely gusting to 80 or 90 km/h late in the day, giving reduced visibilities in blowing snow. Winds will shift to strong northwesterlies behind the system late Thursday night.
In addition, very strong northeast winds will result in elevated water levels, which could lead to some minor coastal flooding along northeast-facing coastlines of eastern New Brunswick near high tide Thursday afternoon or evening, and again with the next high tide towards dawn Friday.
NB Power released a statement saying they will be actively monitoring the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday, Jan. 4 and 5, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall and high winds throughout the province.
In preparation for potential weather-related power outages, NB Power has secured 10 additional contractor crews in Miramichi and Fredericton to support its regular complement of resources across the province. Crews will be ready to respond if required when it is safe to do so.
New Brunswickers are reminded to have everything they need for at least 72 hours following a storm. This includes preparing an emergency kit for home and car; knowing what to do during power outages; and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency. An emergency kit should include food, water, batteries, battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies and any special items such as prescriptions, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities.
Anyone who does experience an outage during the storm, is asked to report it at 1-800-663-6272. In the event of outages, NB Power encourage New Brunswickers to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
