HALIFAX — An unseasonably early snowstorm that’s pounding the U.S northeast is making its way to Atlantic Canada.
Environment Canada says heavy rainfall is expected to soak much of the Maritimes while snow is predicted for parts of New Brunswick.
Meteorologist Jeffrey Hilliard says the major concern is a mix of rain, snow and high winds which will cause hazardous driving conditions in some areas, especially if drivers don’t have their snow tires on yet.
But he says the effects of the weather system likely won’t be as harsh on Canada as it has been on the U.S.
Environment Canada says a low pressure system will pass along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia late this afternoon and track towards Newfoundland tonight.
Some 40 to 60 millimetres of rain are expected by this evening for most of Nova Scotia.
Parts of New Brunswick are under a snowfall warning, with Fredericton and area expecting up to 15 centimetres of snow.
Meanwhile, four U.S. states have declared emergencies, and the storm is being blamed for at least three deaths south of the border.
The severe weather has also knocked out power to millions and snarled air and highway travel from Maryland to Maine.
Numerous flights between Canada and many U.S. cities including Washington, New York and Chicago, have been cancelled.