More miserable winter weather is expected this week for storm-weary Atlantic Canadians who now face heavy snow after a week of hurricane-force winds and pounding rain.
Environment Canada has issued a storm surge and wind and snow warnings for parts of Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.
Northeastern New Brunswick can expect blizzard conditions with heavy snow and strong northerly winds causing “near-zero” visibility as a low pressure system near Cape Cod intensifies and tracks northeastward Tuesday.
The hardest hit parts of the province can expect up to 40 centimetres of snow.
Strong winds will also result in “pounding surf” along Maritime coastlines and higher than usual water levels, particularly through the Northumberland strait from Malagash, N.S. north to the Acadian Peninsula.
The same weather system will bring rain and some 20-30 centimetres of snow to Prince Edward Island as well as strong winds gusting to 80 kilometres per hour.
According to Environment Canada, the northwest side of the island can expect higher water levels and pounding surf.
Strong winds gusting to 110 kilometres per hour will continue in and around St. John’s and along much of the southwest, west and east coasts of the province.
The Wreckhouse area — along Newfoundland’s southwest corner — can expect winds as strong as 150 kilometres an hour, according to Environment Canada.
Western and northern Newfoundland can expect 10-20 centimetres of snow before it changes to rain. Rainfall will be highest along the south coast where 25-40 millimetres are expected.
A number of flights have already been cancelled at Pearson Airport in Toronto. According to Air Canada, winter storms and strong winds are impacting flights to the East Cost.
Flights to U.S. cities including New York, Boston and Philadelphia are also affected. Forecasted snow in Copenhagen and Munich, along with rain and visibility problems in Halifax could also result in flight cancellations, according to the airline which predicts the travel woes will continue through Tuesday.
Air Canada has “revised its ticketing policy” for those booked on affected flights in order to “facilitate changes to bookings”.
“Those customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, using our online rebooking tool,” the airline says on its website.
“Check your alternate travel options currently available; re-book yourself and check in before arriving at the airport”.
Passengers are also advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. Global News
