First snowstorm of the year headed for New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada
Heavy snow, winds expected across southern New Brunswick on Friday and into Saturday morning
The first major snowstorm of 2022 is expected to batter New Brunswick Friday morning into Saturday, bringing 15 to 30 centimetres or more of snow and strong winds.
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon said slight deviations in the track of the advancing storm will affect snowfall amounts.
"Most uncertainty is along the Atlantic coastline, including Halifax, where a slight track shift will have big impacts," including a potential snow, ice and rain mix, he wrote on Twitter.
In New Brunswick, the system is expected to mostly affect the southern half of the province.
First crack at a map for Friday/Friday Night Storm.<br>Widespread 15-30+ cm. <br>Most uncertainty is along the Atlantic coastline, including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Halifax?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Halifax</a> where a slight track shift will have big impacts with potential snow/ice/rain mix.<br>Strong winds for all. Stay tuned!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nsstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nsstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nbstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nbstorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/xBG4fmZhYd">pic.twitter.com/xBG4fmZhYd</a>
—@ryansnoddonEnvironment Canada has issued winter storm watches for the Fundy, Moncton, Saint John and Sussex areas. The watches say snow is expected to start Friday morning, becoming heavy in the afternoon.
"Strong northeasterly to northerly winds will develop later in the day on Friday and in conjunction with the fresh snowfall will result in poor visibility in blowing snow," the weather watch said. "Conditions will improve Saturday morning."
The rest of the province is under a weather statement, with less significant snowfall expected. Those areas are still expected to get 15 centimetres or more of snow.
The Weather Network warns the storm could develop into a hurricane-like system or "weather bomb" in parts of Atlantic Canada, depending how quickly the low-pressure system intensifies.