Snowfall, freezing-rain warnings in effect
15-20 cm inbound for Fredericton, but mix of snow, freezing rain for Oromocto, Grand Lake
Fredericton is among the areas under a snowfall warning for Wednesday night into Thursday, but the nearby communities of Oromocto and Grand Lake could see some freezing rain.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued advisories Tuesday afternoon about significant snowfall expected through much of New Brunswick.
Though mainly affecting northern parts of the province, Fredericton was included in the snowfall warning shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday
“Snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 20 centimetres is expected,” it said, noting it should begin Wednesday night and continue into Thursday morning.
“Gusty winds accompanying the snow will cause reduced visibility at times in blowing snow. Localized bands may lead to higher snowfall totals in some areas,” the warning stated.
“Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Allow extra time for travel.”
However, the nearby areas of Oromocto and Sunbury County, and Grand Lake and Queens County, instead find themselves subject to a special weather statement for the same period instead.
The federal weather service is calling for “a combination of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain” Wednesday night into Thursday for those two counties.
Snowfall in those areas is expected to be 10 cm or more, followed by possible freezing rain for three to six hours, the alert stated.
“Forecast guidance indicates a variety of wintry precipitation will likely affect the region. Precipitation is expected to begin as snow, with significant accumulations possible, before transitioning through ice pellets and freezing rain to rain,” the special weather statement said.
“Accumulations of snow and ice may create slippery and hazardous travel or walking conditions.”
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.