Winter storm warning issued for parts of New Brunswick

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for some eastern parts of the province on Tuesday, advising residents not to go anywhere until conditions improve.

The weather agency is advising people in Kent County, the Miramichi area and Kouchibouguac National Park to prepare for lookout for adverse weather conditions, take safety precautions and postpone any non-essential travel.

Strong northwesterly winds were expected to start late in the morning, causing reduced visibility in blowing snow, Environment Canada said in a statement.

"Visibility is forecast to improve tonight as the winds begin to ease."

Some areas of eastern New Brunswick have already seen between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow. But an additional five to 10 cm could fall before snow tapers off Tuesday evening.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for most of the province for the second day in a row.

Tuesday's snowstorm forced many schools to close, including all schools in the Anglophone South, Anglophone North, Anglophone East and Anglophone West School Districts.

All schools in the Francophone South School District are also closed.

Slippery and snow-covered roads

Mike Walker, manager of roadway operations for the City of Fredericton, said roads remained snow-covered into the morning.

"You're going to want to give yourself a little bit of extra time," he said.

Although snow is expected to taper to flurries throughout the day, Walker said it will take the city some time to clear the snow from roads across the city.

"It's a slushy snow that's on those streets, if you get into that slush it's going to pull your car one way or another."

Julia Arseneault, communications co-ordinator for SNC Lavalin, the company that maintains the highway from Longs Creek to the Quebec border and Route 95 from Woodstock to the U.S. border, said roads are snow covered with icy and slushy patches.

She said winds in the area are also starting to pick up.

"Visibility could be reduced very quickly," she said.

"Reduce your speed, give yourself lots of time. You need to drive for the conditions."

Al Giberson, general manager for MRDC Operations Corp., which manages the Trans-Canada Highway between Fredericton and Moncton, said roads are also slippery, snow covered and contain some slushy patches.

He expects visibility to also become an issue for drivers throughout the morning and is advising motorists to take their time.

"It's better to arrive late than to not arrive at all," he said.