Some of the most populated areas of the Maritimes will bear the brunt of an intense winter storm, one that threatens 20+ cm of snow over major cities like Halifax and Moncton through Friday.

"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in a winter storm warning posted for central Nova Scotia. "Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow."

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A low-pressure system off the East Coast will track toward the Maritimes on Thursday, bringing snow to southern Nova Scotia and New Brunswick through the afternoon hours ahead of the evening commute.

The heaviest snowfall is expected Thursday night, during the overnight and into early Friday morning.

Anyone travelling during that time can expect hazardous road conditions with widespread heavy snow and powerful winds. Maximum wind gusts between 60 to 80 km/h are likely.

The snow will continue through the overnight hours, with impressive snowfall rates of one to three centimetres per hour possible.

The snow is expected to taper through the mid-morning hours on Friday as the system pulls away, but blowing snow will likely continue until late morning as winds remain quite brisk.

While many of the systems this past winter have brought mainly rain and milder conditions to Nova Scotia, this time around, major travel routes in the province will likely receive between 15 and 25 cm of snow.

We’re on the lookout for another potential for snow across the region to start next week as a strong and active storm track continues moving up the coast.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada.