A strong winter system is expected to bring up to 20 cm of snow and high winds to Prince and Queens Counties today before changing to ice pellets, freezing rain and rain later this evening.
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm and wind warning for both counties, as well as a wind warning for Kings County. A winter storm watch has been issued for Kings County, which is expected to receive up to 10 cm of snow.
Heavy snow and blowing snow is developing this morning and will eventually change to ice pellets, then freezing rain and rain later this evening.
Strong easterly winds will develop this afternoon and evening with gusts up to 80 km/k likely giving extensive blowing snow before the precipitation changeover.
Even stronger southerly winds gusting up to 90 km/h are expected with the rain and milder temperatures tonight.
The accumulated snow on the ground combined with an expected rainfall of at least 20 mm and milder temperatures tonight, followed by rapidly falling temperatures with risk of freezing rain on Monday could lead to treacherous road conditions.
Environment Canada advised Islanders to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions and to monitor weather forecasts.