Spring may have sprung in central and western Canada, but winter isn't quite through with punishing the country's East Coast.
Environment Canada says people in the Maritimes can expect up to 40 centimetres of snow as a blizzard sweeps across the region on Sunday and Monday.
Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are expected to take the brunt of the snow, while Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to face about 10-20 centimetres.
"Spring's probably going to be a little bit later for us," Environment Canada meteorologist Jason Sheppard told CTV News Channel.
Sheppard, who is based on the East Coast, says the storm will move across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Sunday before finishing up over Newfoundland and Labrador Monday morning.
Environment Canada has issued several winter storm and blizzard warnings for the region.
Forecasters warn of possible heavy winds and blowing snow as the storm takes hold. Visibility may drop to about 400 metres in some areas.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve," Environment Canada said in a weather statement on Sunday. "Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.”
Shops and services in the region were closed Sunday, and hundreds of customers lost power. The harsh weather also grounded flights and closed roads.
Vikki Priddle and her family remained upbeat despite the fact that they were forced to wait eight hours at Halifax's airport as their flight to Mexico was delayed by the weather.
"We're always hopeful, we look positive, and we're going," she told CTV News.
Police throughout the region advised people to stay home if possible.
A 14-vehicle accident on a Cape Breton bridge sent six people to hospital with minor injuries and prompted the closure of the highway near the bridge. Confederation Bridge, between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, was also closed Sunday afternoon.
Blizzard warnings remained in effect Sunday evening for P.E.I. and most of New Brunswick. Forecasters expect up to 20 cm more of snow overnight.
High winds and blowing snow are expected to continue through the evening and overnight in Halifax. City spokesperson Jennifer Stairs said the blowing snow is challenging for crews because the snow blows back as soon as they have cleared it.
The storm comes on the heels of a hellish February that saw more than 180 centimetres of snow fall on the East Coast.
Sheppard says that's well above the typical 45-60 centimetres the region gets this time of year.
But Sheppard says relief is on the way.
"After we get through this storm… we've got clear skies ahead."
With files from CTV Atlantic Bureau Chief Todd Battis and The Canadian Press
