Travel difficulties expected as storm approaches P.E.I.

Islanders are encouraged to prepare for difficult travel conditions and possible power outages as snow and freezing rain are expected to hit P.E.I. on Sunday and into Monday.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the Islandand advises travellers to prepare for hazardous road conditions.

It is calling for snow at times heavy beginning in the morningand snow mixed with ice pellets late in the afternoon and rain in the evening.

CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland expects the far western regions of the province to get hit the hardestwith up to 30 centimetres of snow and 30 millimetres of rain forecast.

He expects the central regions to get up to 20 cm of snow and 40 mm of rainand the east to get up to 15 cm of snow and 40 mm of rain.

"With the temperature falling Monday I do see the potential for icy roads," he tweeted on Saturday. "Winds will also still be quite gusty and light rain will change back to light snow which may result in blowing snow. Definitely possible we see delayed school openings, or closures."

It could be difficult to get on and off the Island on Sunday.

Not only are driving conditions expected to be poor, but high winds Sunday may result in travel restrictions on the Confederation Bridge.

In anticipation of the storm, Air Canada has issued a travel alert for Charlottetown Airport and has waived rebooking fees on all affected flights Sunday.

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snodden said Saturday is the day to get things done ahead of Sunday's mess.

"Get out, get any of your grocery shopping done today, make sure things like your flashlights have batteries because as we roll into tomorrow there is a risk of power outages especially for Sunday night and into Monday, and especially for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island," he said.

If you are out and about Saturday, be sure to bundle up. Environment Canada said there is a risk of frostbite Saturday with a wind chill of 27 Cin the afternoon and 28 C in the evening.

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