New Brunswick braces for another storm
New Brunswickers are bracing for another winter storm this weekend, after the province was battered overnight Thursday and into Friday with snow, freezing rain and heavy rain.
The Emergency Measures Organization has issued an advisory that the latest storm, which is expected to begin on Saturday night and continue into Sunday afternoon, could bring more than 30 centimetres of snow to southern regions.
Less snow is in the forecast for the central and northern regions, but strong winds and blowing snow will affect most of the province, creating hazardous driving conditions and the risk of power outages, it says.
The overnight storm Thursday shut down schools Friday, delayed the opening of government offices and universities, grounded flights, and caused motor vehicle accidents.
The storm brought snow in the north and central regions of the province, along with a mix of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and rain in the south.
In Moncton, streets and intersections around the city flooded, and crews worked to clear storm sewer drains before freezing temperatures hit.
"Residents are encouraged to clear storm drains near their property if they are capable, in order to reduce the risk of street flooding," stated the city in a news release.
Motorists were also advised to be cautious and slow down due to the potential for hydroplaning on water-covered streets.
"Unexpected street flooding might force traffic detours," advised the city.
Moncton received about four centimetres of snow in advance of getting 38 millimetres of rain — all within a 24-hour period. Saint John registered the same totals for snow and rainfall.
At Base Gagetown, near Fredericton, 31 centimetres of snow was recorded before turning to a mix of ice pellets, freezing rain and rain.
Bathurst registered 28 centimetres of snow with another 10 centimetres of snow possible on Friday.
The Acadian Peninsula received up to 32 centimetres of snow with blizzard-like conditions as winds of approximately 75 kilometres per hour whipped the area. Up to another 10 centimetres of snow was expected by late afternoon on Friday.
It was estimated Miramichi received between 20 and 30 centimetres.
Motorists were being advised not to travel on the Trans-Canada Highway through the province unless necessary.
Dozens of cancellations were reported to the CBC Storm Centre.
In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University closed for the morning. Both campuses reopened at noon.
Also in Fredericton, provincial government offices did not open until 10 a.m.
Canadian Forces Base Gagetown was reduced to minimum staffing until 10 a.m.
In Saint John, the afternoon sailing of Bay Ferries from Digby to Saint John was cancelled, along with the return trip from Saint John on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Flights in and out of New Brunswick airports were also cancelled. Travellers are urged to check ahead for information on their flights.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement to advise of another possible storm that will hit parts of the province Saturday night.
"Snow associated with this system is expected to begin Saturday night and end by Sunday afternoon with the heaviest snowfall over southern and eastern regions of the province. Additionally, strong winds and blowing snow will also affect most of the province with the passage of this system."
Claude Cote, of Environment Canada, said the next storm on Saturday will be more intense than originally thought, calling it a "significant storm" with blizzard-like conditions.
