Freezing rain a major concern as winter storm descends on Atlantic Canada

Mother Nature extends long weekend in Maritimes School children across the Maritimes enjoyed an extra day off school because of Tuesday's storm. Alyson Samson reports.

HALIFAX — Freezing rain, snow and high winds were expected to continue blasting several parts of Atlantic Canada as a messy weather system continued to move east across the region.

Weather warnings were put in place for all four Atlantic provinces, including winter storm and snowfall warnings for much of New Brunswick.

Most schools and many businesses across the Maritimes were closed today as a sloppy winter storm descended on the region.

Parts of Nova Scotia were forecast to receive prolonged freezing rain into the evening before the weather transitions into rain.

Prince Edward Island was in for much of the same. Environment Canada said the Island wouldn't get relief from the ice pellets and precipitation until later Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick was dealing with a sloppy mix of wet and snow for much of Tuesday, as well as some ice buildup.

Some parts of the province were expected to see anywhere from five to 10 more centimetres of snow and ice pellets into early Wednesday morning.

Most of Newfoundland was expected to be hit with the wintry weather beginning Tuesday evening and into Wednesday. Parts of Newfoundland could see up to 35 centimetres of snow, according to Environment Canada, while others will face winds gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour and freezing rain.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021.