Freezing-rain warning issued for parts of N.B.
Federal weather service unsure of duration, notes ice pellets or freezing drizzle possible
Western and central areas of New Brunswick - including the capital region - will see freezing rain Tuesday evening, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
On top of the special weather statement in effect for much of the province due to heavy rains expected Wednesday into Thursday, the federal weather service also issued a freezing-rain warning Tuesday afternoon for many areas of the province.
“Freezing rain is expected or occurring,” the 3:45 p.m. alert stated, noting it would be in effect for western and central New Brunswick.
Among the affected areas are Fredericton, Oromocto, Grand Lake, Woodstock, Stanley and Doaktown.
It’s expected to begin Tuesday night and end Wednesday morning, lasting about four to six hours - perhaps.
“There is some uncertainty in the duration and intensity of the freezing rain,” the warning said.
“Initially it may fall as ice pellets or freezing drizzle for a period, followed by freezing rain before transitioning to rain on Wednesday.”
The weather service warned the freezing precipitation could make for slippery driving conditions, and render walkways and parking lots difficult to navigate as well.
Furthermore, the special weather statement issued Monday, forecasting heavy rains for Wednesday into Thursday, was upgraded Tuesday afternoon to a full rainfall warning for western New Brunswick, including the capital and surrounding areas, as well as the Fundy Coast.
Whereas on Monday the federal weather service was calling for up to 25 millimetres of rain in the region, the rainfall warning is now predicting 25 to 40 mm for areas under the alert.
“An intense low pressure system will track west of New Brunswick on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. This system will give periods of rain, at times heavy,” that warning said.
“Strong southerly winds gusting to 80 kilometres per hour will accompany this system, with gusts up to 90 km/hour over the Fundy Coast.”
The service also cautioned that such heavy downpours can cause flash-flooding and pooling of water on roads.
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