Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of eastern Quebec and New Brunswick provinces through at least early March 28

Adverse winter weather is forecast over parts of eastern Quebec and New Brunswick provinces through at least early March 28.

As of late March 25, Environment Canada has issued the following warnings:

• Red freezing rain warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Amqui, Baie-Comeau, Bonaventure, Chandler, Forestville, Forillon National Park, Gaspe, Gaspesie National Park, Grande-Vallee, Les Escoumins, Matane, Matapedia Valley, Mont-Joli, Murdochville, New Carlisle, Perce, Restigouche, Rimouski, and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in Quebec and most of northern New Brunswick through early March 27, Manicouagan River in Quebec through midday March 27, and Anticosti, Port-Cartier, and Sept-Iles in Quebec through the afternoon of March 27.

• Grey special weather statements for freezing rain: Havre-Saint-Pierre, Natashquan and Chevery early March 27-the evening of March 27 and for Blanc-Sablon the afternoon of March 27-early March 28.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours.

Lesser snow accumulations are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with snow. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages may occur throughout the affected area.

The inclement weather will likely cause widespread ground and air transport disruptions across the affected areas. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are especially likely on secondary and rural roads as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities will probably close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds will threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected areas. As a precaution, mountain passes and tunnels will likely be closed during periods of intense snowfall. The disruptive weather will probably cause delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Heavy, wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage.