Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across southeastern regions through at least early April 5

Adverse winter weather is forecast over parts of southern Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia provinces through at least early April 5. As of late April 2, Environment Canada has issued the following warnings:

• Red snowfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Chapleau, Elliot Lake, Gogama, and Ranger Lake in Ontario through early April 4; snowfall accumulations of 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) are forecast. Algonquin, Bancroft, Barry's Bay, Bon Echo Park, Greater Sudbury and vicinity, Haliburton, Kirkland Lake, Lanark, Pembroke, Renfrew, Sharbot Lake, Smiths Falls, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, in Ontario through April 4; snowfall accumulations of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) are forecast. Eastern Townships in Quebec the evening of April 3-evening of April 4; snowfall accumulations of 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) are forecast.

• Red rainfall warnings: Bayfield Inlet, Blind River, Burk's Falls, Killarney, Manitoulin, Muskoka, North Bay, Parry Sound, and West Nipissing in Ontario through late April 3; rainfall accumulations of 2.5-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) and strong winds are forecast. The rain is forecast to transition to snow the afternoon or evening of April 3 as temperatures cool. Several centimeters of accumulations are likely before the precipitation tapers off April 4.

• Grey special weather statements for strong winds, snow, and rain: the rest of southern Ontario and southern Quebec through April 4. New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia through early April 5.

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.