Heavy rain, strong winds, and sudden freeze hit Atlantic Canada

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, a severe storm swept through Atlantic Canada, bringing heavy rain, winds exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph), and a sudden freeze across the region. The storm, which started late Wednesday, has left over 32 000 people without power and caused significant flooding, particularly in southern New Brunswick, including the town of Sussex where 100 mm (4 inches) of rain prompted evacuations and road closures.

A powerful storm hit Atlantic Canada on Thursday, February 29, 2024, causing widespread disruptions.

Heavy rain and winds, with gusts surpassing 100 km/h (62 mph), led to extensive power outages, affecting more than 32 000 residents, though numbers decreased to about 10 000 by late morning.

The town of Sussex in southern New Brunswick experienced significant flooding due to rainfall exceeding 100 mm (4 inches), prompting evacuations and road closures.

In addition to the storm’s immediate effects, a rapid temperature drop across the region, prompted by the cold front’s passage, led to a flash freeze warning.

This sudden change froze standing water on roads and surfaces, complicating travel and leading to multiple school closures across New Brunswick on Thursday.

Meteorologists from The Weather Network forecasted a dramatic 20 – 25 °C (36 – 45 °F) drop in temperatures within six hours for northern New Brunswick, with Nova Scotia and P.E.I. also expecting significant drops.

This rapid cooling, exacerbated by wind chill, was expected to bring frigid conditions by Friday.

Residents and drivers were advised to remain vigilant and adapt to the rapidly changing conditions.

References:

¹ Flooding rains, 100 km/h winds, sudden freeze hit the East Coast – The Weather Network – February 29, 2024

Featured image credit: The Weather Network (stillshot)