Travel not recommended on Trans-Canada Highway as winter storm sets in

A major snowstorm ispummelling parts of the province Tuesday morning, causing slippery roads and keeping schools and many businesses closed.

Theprovince can expect between 15 and 45 centimetres of snow, depending on the area,according to Environment Canada. First responders are reminding people to drive according toweather conditions.

Due to weather conditions, RCMP said travel is not recommended on the Trans-Canada Highway between Longs Creek and Moncton.

"Road conditions could change quickly with the snow, rain and freezing rain forecast for today," RCMP New Brunswick said on Twitter.

"Pay attention while driving."

Moncton City Hall and all non-essential serviceswill close at noon because of the storm. In a news release, the city said Codiac Transpo will also be suspending services at noon.

In Saint John, public transit is still running, but delays and detours canbe expected, according to Saint John Transit. Buses are still running in Fredericton.

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All schools in the anglophone school districts are closed, as well as schools in the Francophone South School District.

TheUniversit de Moncton campus arealso closed.NBCC Saint John and St. Andrews campus buildings are closed and all classes will be taught online.

Up to 45 cm of snow expected in the north

Northern parts of the province can expectup to 45 cm of snowthroughout the day.

The snow is expected to start early in the afternoon and persist throughout the afternoon. Then, snow will become mixed with ice pellets overnight.

• Check out the latest weather cancellations here.

Environment Canada said there is also a risk of freezing rain overnight into Wednesday morning. Snow and ice pellets are expected to taper offWednesday afternoon.

"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow."

Heavy snow over southwestern New Brunswick

Snow over southwestern New Brunswick will become heavy at times as the stormspreads northward and eastward.

The snow will become mixed with ice pellets in the afternoon in most areas. Precipitation will change to rain Tuesday night over southern and central regions, with a few hours of freezing rain possible along the lower St. John River Valley.

"Rainfall amounts of 10 to 25 mm over southern regions could result in significant snow melt before the rain tapers to showers on Wednesday morning."

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The national weather agency has issued a winter storm or snowfall warning for the entire province, with the exception of St. Stephen and northern Charlotte County, which is under a special weather statement.

There, between 10 and 15 cm of snow is expected, with winds gusting up to 60 km/h.

"Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult."

Prepare for power outages

Marc Belliveau, a spokesperson for NB Power, said 72 crewsare on standby to repair power outages. The utility has also hired 25 contract crews.

"We've been tracking this storm for a couple of days," Belliveau said. "We are especially interested in the lower part of the province they're looking at some very significant winds and that could cause outages for sure."