The Canadian Environmental Agency has issued a winter storm warning (opens in a new tab) for large areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, with snowfall expected to reach up to 50 cm in some areas.

South and east Nova Scotia can expect between 15 to 25 cm of snow and winds blowing at speeds of 60 to 80 km/h, as the strong storm hits the province from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday morning. The highest snowfall is expected along the Atlantic Ocean coast in Nova Scotia. Many flights to and from Halifax have already been canceled.

Further snow is expected in eastern Newfoundland, where snowfall is expected to range from 30 to 50 cm, with the possibility of higher amounts in some areas. The storm is expected to affect Newfoundland from Wednesday morning until early Friday, with heavy snowfall arriving by Wednesday night. Snowfall rates may reach between 2 to 3 cm per hour in the province, with winds reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. Some flights to and from St. John's have been canceled.

The Canadian Environmental Agency warned that strong winds and new snow are likely to cause bleak conditions in some areas. Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected together.

Hazardous winter conditions result from the passage of a Nor'easter, a type of North Atlantic cyclone.

The storm has already swept through the northeastern United States, causing some airlines to cancel and delay flights to and from cities such as New York, New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia.

In Newfoundland, storm warnings are also in effect for St. John's and many other coastal communities, especially for the northeast-facing coasts. Wave heights are expected to range from five to seven meters during high tide late Wednesday night.

The Canadian Ministry of the Environment said: “Storm impacts are expected, including coastal flooding, beach erosion, minor infrastructure damage, spread of coastal debris, and drifting of local coastal roads.”

Snowstorms behind the storm will accumulate additional snowfall on the North Shore of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands, and eastern Prince Edward Island from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning. Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador, with snowfall expected to reach up to 30 cm in some areas.

The Canadian Environmental Agency also issued snowfall warnings in southwest Alberta, including Fort McLeod, Crowsnest Pass, and Waterton Lakes National Park. The heavy snowfall that began overnight is expected to reach between 12 to 20 cm by the end of Tuesday.

The Canadian Ministry of the Environment explained that “visibility may suddenly drop at times due to heavy snow.” “Prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.”

The warning reached central Ontario for reduced visibility and up to 10 cm of snow on Tuesday morning in areas including Haliburton, North Bay, Parry Sound, Huntsville, and parts of Algonquin Provincial Park. The Ontario warning was lifted in the afternoon.

Up to 80 cm of snow fell on Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in another storm earlier this month (opens in a new tab).