Anticipated “severe” freezing rain is set to impact specific regions of New Brunswick starting from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday afternoon.
The storm is labeled as severe due to its predicted widespread nature, prolonged duration, and the expected significant accumulation of ice, as stated by Environment Canada.
The southern areas of the province, spanning from St. Stephen to Richibucto, are likely to experience up to 15 millimeters of freezing rain.
In the northern regions, beginning just below Miramichi, there is a forecast for freezing rain along with potential snow and ice pellets accumulation of up to 25 centimeters.
During a technical briefing on Tuesday, Environment Canada’s meteorologist Eric Thomilson highlighted Fredericton as the primary target of the impactful weather conditions.
Thomilson mentioned, “The event is expected to mainly involve freezing rain initially, possibly transitioning to rain later on.”
He emphasized the importance of being cautious and prepared for the risks associated with such weather conditions.
Thomilson warned, “Areas expecting substantial freezing rain, potentially between 10 to 15 millimeters, could face power outages.”
Given the anticipated ice accumulation, residents are advised to be mindful of potential hazards such as falling tree branches due to strong winds.
Thomilson stated, “Although significant winds are not expected, there is a possibility of gusts that could lead to tree branch damage in areas experiencing more freezing rain.”
He recommended taking precautions, such as parking vehicles away from vulnerable tree branches.
A significant storm is approaching New Brunswick, bringing freezing rain, ice pellets, heavy snow, and rain from Wednesday to Thursday.
The storm is also expected to affect parts of Ontario, Quebec, and other Atlantic provinces.
New Brunswick received a yellow warning, contrasting with the orange warning issued for Ontario and Quebec.
The yellow alert signifies that “hazardous weather may result in damage, disruptions, or health impacts,” according to the federal agency.
The storm is anticipated to commence in southern Ontario later on Wednesday morning and progress eastward towards New Brunswick by the afternoon.
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon explained, “As the storm arrives on Wednesday afternoon, southern areas of the province are likely to quickly transition to icy conditions, eventually changing to rain.”
He added, “Northern regions will retain the snowy conditions for a longer period.”
Places in the north like Miramichi and Edmundston are expected to witness snowfall, freezing rain, and ice pellet accumulation ranging from 10 to 20 centimeters.
Snoddon expressed particular concern regarding the freezing rain, stating, “With freezing rain persisting for an extended duration, ice accumulation on surfaces becomes a major issue.”
He further remarked, “This could pose significant problems, especially for central and northern parts of the province.”
Residents are urged to plan ahead in case of school closures or canceled activities as advised by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The government also cautioned about potential slippery and hazardous travel or