Pounding surf, coastal flooding possible today

A storm surge is forecast to hit Prince County as part of a storm expected to barrel down on P.E.I. today, Environment Canada warned.

Forecasters said high winds, a high tide and storm pressures in the atmosphere may combine to pound the Island coastline in the western parts of P.E.I. late this afternoon.

“High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast,” Environment Canada said.

“Coastal flooding is possible along the shoreline.”

While that applies only to Prince County, the entire Island is under a winter storm warning.

Snow will begin overnight, then intensify through this morning.

The snow could become mixed with or change to rain this afternoon, especially in eastern portions of the Island.

Total snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 centimetres are forecast with highest amounts expected over western areas of the Island.

Easterly winds gusting to 90 km/h combined with the heavy snow will result in blowing snow giving near zero visibilities in whiteout conditions.

Winds will shift this afternoon, to the southwest, with gusts diminishing to 70 km/h.

For the latest Prince Edward Island weather forecast, go to www.theguardian.pe.ca and click on weather.