A brutal winter storm is expected to slam Atlantic Canada Sunday, with New Brunswick bearing the brunt of the impact.
Environment Canada has issued storm warnings for the entire province, with 30 to 50 centimetres of snow expected Sunday for northern parts of the province, and 15 to 30 centimetres expected in the southern parts.
The snow will change over to ice pellets and freezing rain this afternoon or evening, then to rain tonight over southern and central parts of the province. The forecaster says strong winds, gusting up to 90 km/h in some areas, will also reduce visibility, and it suggests postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
READ MORE: Approaching winter storm prompts warnings for residents of the Maritimes
The government is urging New Brunswick residents to have an emergency storm kit ready and to stay off the roads if they don’t need to travel.
New Brunswick says that travel is not recommended a number of the province’s highways.
Geoffrey Downey, the province’s spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said New Brunswick Power crews are positioned strategically throughout the province to deal with any potential power outages, and some municipalities have opened emergency operation centres.
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“Everyone’s taking this very seriously,” he said.
Downey said anyone in a region with forecasted rainfall should check their drains outside to ensure they’re clear, and advised everyone to stay off the roads unless it’s an emergency.
WATCH: Winter storm leaves parts of Fredericton under several inches of snow
“You’re only going to get in the way of emergency responsers, plow operators, and potentially become someone who needs to be saved as well,” he said.
Bay Ferries has cancelled sailings between Saint John, N.B., and Digby, N.S.
Nova Scotia will see five to 15 centimetres of snow today followed by 30 to 60 millimetres of rain over much of the province’s mainland, coupled with strong winds gusting up to 100 km/h this afternoon and tonight.
Nova Scotia Power said it will activate its emergency centre on Sunday morning and is encouraging people to “plan for their safety.”
WATCH: New Brunswickers preparing for major winter storm
Prince Edward Island is expecting up to 20 centimetres of snow in some areas before it changes to ice pellets and freezing rain this evening, along with strong winds gusting up to 90 km/h.
Environment Canada is warning that road conditions may be treacherous in all the storm-affected areas due to ice, snow and reduced visibility.
And rainfall, wind, blowing snow and extreme cold warnings have been issued throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, with strong winds gusting between 100 km/h and 150 km/h along the island’s western and southern coasts, whipping up snow and reducing visibility.
Environment Canada says heavy rain is also expected over parts of Newfoundland overnight Sunday or Monday morning, with the south coast expecting the worst of it at 50 to 80 millimetres.
The storm has caused some flight cancellations at airports across the affected regions
With files from Alexander Quon