Messy conditions

Winter storm expected to bring large snowfall, high winds to P.E.I.

A winter storm could cover P.E.I. with up to 40 centimetres of snow today, according to Environment Canada.

Meteorologist Doug Mercer said on Sunday the weather agency would be issuing a winter storm warning for the entire province Monday.

“It’s going to be messy,” said Mercer, adding the combination of light, dry snow and high winds could create some poor driving conditions. “Be careful when driving and keep your eyes open, especially in blowing and drifting snow.”

Mercer said snowflakes will start falling over areas west of Summerside around dawn and by mid-morning there will be steady, light flurries across the province.

“Later in the morning it’s going to start picking up,” said Mercer, adding that easterly winds could reach 50 to 70 km/h by the midafternoon. “You’ll be getting some blowing snow that will be fairly rapidly accumulating.”

Mercer said the wind and snow combination would likely be heaviest around 4 to 6 p.m. During the evening, there may also be ice pellets east of Charlottetown.

Mercer said those pellets may reach Charlottetown but that western P.E.I. will continue to receive only snow.

“Charlottetown might get some of both, it’s right on the edge,” he said. Conditions are expected to taper off in the evening and overnight into Tuesday, which could also see some flurries in the morning and afternoon.