Wayne Briand uses a snow blower to clear a driveway in Cole Harbour, N.S., on Jan. 1, 2009. Atlantic Canadians enjoying a relatively mild fall season this year are bracing for a sudden blast of wintry weather.PAUL DARROW/Reuters
Atlantic Canadians enjoying a relatively mild fall season are bracing for a sudden blast of wintry weather.
Environment Canada has issued weather warnings in all four provinces as a low-pressure system approaches the region armed with heavy snow, ice pellets and rain.
Forecasters say the heaviest snowfall is expected in New Brunswick, where more than 35 centimetres could blanket the ground starting today and continuing Thursday.
They are calling for lesser amounts in northwestern Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Southern Nova Scotia is expected to be hit with heavy rain – up to 60 millimetres – that could cause flash flooding.
Environment Canada says the weather is expected to create hazardous conditions and residents are advised to postpone non-essential travel plans if possible.