New Brunswick is bracing for the first winter storm of the decade, and this weekend's blast could be reminiscent of the biggest storm of the past decade, according to a meteorologist.

The nor'easter will be a complex combination of two systems, bringing rain, snow and wind to the region, said William Bourque, with Radio-Canada Acadie in Moncton.

It looks eerily similar to a 1992 storm system, which dumped 160 centimetres of snow in the Moncton area, said Bourque, who has spent most of this week studying weather charts on the system, making its way toward the Maritimes.

'Keep a close eye and listen for updates on the forecast.'—William Bourque, meteorologist

The storm will likely hit around midday on Saturday, but will be at its worst that night and into Sunday, when the winds are expected to pick up, said Bourque.

"In the northeast and the northwest, the snow amounts will be less, though significant. I think it's going to be in the southeastern portion of New Brunswick that will get the most."

It's too early to predict exact amounts, but at least 35 centimetres of snow could fall in the southeast, said Bourque.

But with this kind of system, anything could happen, he said.

"Keep a close eye and listen for updates on the forecast."

New Brunswick will bear the brunt of the storm, said Bourque. Rain is forecast for Nova Scotia and P.E.I. on Sunday.