Severe Weather Warning Issued for Atlantic Canada with Potential Flooding Across Provinces

A severe weather alert has been raised for multiple regions in Atlantic Canada, with a risk of flooding and hazardous conditions spreading across provinces.

The warning, issued by Environment Canada, includes P.E.I.’s Kings and Queens counties, and extends through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, affecting a significant area of the Maritimes.

Residents are urged to brace for heavy rainfall measuring up to 35 millimeters, with the potential for localized flooding due to snowmelt and frozen ground, rendering it unable to absorb excess water.

CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland has advised caution as the weather pattern shifts from snow to rain, and possibly to ice pellets and freezing rain. The varied precipitation poses challenges for both transportation and residential areas, particularly in central and eastern P.E.I. where the heaviest rain is expected.

With the forecast indicating a messy mix of weather ahead, measures such as clearing storm drains and gutters have been recommended to prevent water accumulation. Special Weather Statements have also been released, highlighting the risk of pooling water on roadways and localized flooding in low-lying areas.

In addition to the weather warnings, significant snowmelt and runoff conditions are anticipated in the Maritimes, accentuating the need for proactive measures to ensure drainage systems are clear and functioning. The impact of melting snow and ice, combined with blocked drainage, heightens the possibility of flooding across the region.

As the weather system progresses, a transition from rain to a mix of freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets is predicted to occur during Saturday, posing a further threat of slippery roads and icy conditions. The sudden shift in temperature, accompanied by a cold, gusty northwest wind following the precipitation, is likely to contribute to the swift formation of icy surfaces on roadways, walkways, and parking lots.

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