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Environment Canada is warning of a winter storm that is expected to bring significant snowfall, strong winds and blowing snow — and has now issued winter storm and snowfall warnings across the Island.
The weather agency is tracking an “intense low-pressure system passing south then across eastern Nova Scotia,” with snowfall expected to start on P.E.I. by Monday afternoon and continue until around noon on Tuesday.
Queens and Prince Counties
A yellow storm warning is in effect for both Prince and Queens Counties.
The statement is warning of “hazardous winter conditions”, where maximum wind gusts could reach over 90 km/h over exposed areas.
These parts of the Island could see between 15 to 25 centimetres of snow, but locally higher amounts are possible.
Both counties are still forecasted to experience limited visibility from blowing snow, which the agency says will likely be reduced to “near zero at times.”
Local utility outages are also likely, it added.
Kings County
In King’s county, a snowfall warning is in effect — with about 15 cm of snow expected.
Strong northeasterly winds and blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, but snow may change over to rain early Tuesday morning.
CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland is forecasting an increase of clouds beginning Island-wide early Monday morning with flurries arriving in the afternoon, but the worst of the storm to hit in the evening.
“A brisk easterly to northeasterly wind will develop through the day, becoming very gusty by Monday evening as steady snow begins to fall quite heavily,” he said.
Scotland is forecasting ‘blizzard-like’ conditions to hit the Island Monday night, with moderate to heavy snow falling and blowing. (Jay Scotland/CBC)
The storm is also expected to bring higher than normal water levels along the northern and eastern coasts.
“Whether you’re on the high or low end of that snowfall projection, my main concerns for this storm are for significant blowing and drifting snow, which may result in near-zero visibility at times,” Scotland said, adding that the blustery conditions will making clearing operations more challenging Monday night through Tuesday morning.
Environment Canada suggests that residents living in Queens and Prince counties consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve.
Islanders are also encouraged to continue checking Environment Canada’s website for any changes or updates.
