Maritimes targeted for blast of torrential rain and powerful winds

HALIFAX — Environment Canada says it’s going to be a very wet and windy start to the week as intense stormy weather sweeps across much of the Maritimes and into Newfoundland and Labrador.

The federal agency says it expects the heavy weather system to begin its march across the region early today, with the worst conditions hitting overnight and into Tuesday.

Warnings and special weather statements are now posted for all three Maritime provinces with parts of Nova Scotia expecting as much as 150 mm of rain and howling winds up to 100 km/h along the coast.

Additional freezing rain warnings are in effect for areas of New Brunswick, meaning driving conditions could turn treacherous.

Emergency officials warn there may be localized flooding and power outages, and they’re urging residents to fuel up their vehicles, charge up their cellphones, and stock up on food and other crucial supplies they might need to ride out the storm.

Very heavy rain is expected to push into southwestern Newfoundland on Tuesday morning and persist through to Wednesday evening. Again, Environment Canada warns that localized flooding and road washouts are likely, especially near swollen creeks and streams.