Weather alert upgraded to rainfall warning
Environment and Climate Change Canada says central, southern New Brunswick could see as much as 100 millimetres of rain by time it stops, which isn’t expected until Friday evening
A weather alert issued early Wednesday has been upgraded to a full rainfall warning, and the area it affects has been broadened as well, the federal weather service reports.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather service issued a special weather statement shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, advising of plenty of rain for the next three days in southwestern New Brunswick.
“Prolonged rainfall event forecast this week,” it said, noting the system is expected to begin Wednesday and continue into Friday.
But by Wednesday afternoon, the special weather statement was replaced by a rainfall warning, and it was in effect for central and southern New Brunswick.
“Rain, at times heavy, is expected,” it said, noting that 50 to 80 mm was expected by Friday evening, with a possibility for as much as 100 mm.
The rain is forecast to last from Wednesday night until Friday evening, or perhaps even until Saturday morning, the advisory stated, noting that some areas could see as much as 10 mm of rain per hour at times.
“Significant runoff is expected to occur as the rain combines with mild temperatures, leading to considerable snowmelt,” it said.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.”
The weather service also reported that similar weather systems in the past have caused overflowing of creeks and rivers, road shoulder erosion and washouts, delays and interruptions to transportation networks, power outages, and delays or cancellations of ferry services.
The rain is forecast to change to snow Friday night or Saturday morning, Environment and Climate Change Canada said.
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