You likely spent your morning digging out, and you aren’t alone. The most significant snowstorm of the season slammed into Saint John on Monday afternoon, leaving residents with a massive cleanup job that will take days to complete.

A Wall of Snow

The system arrived with intensity. Conditions deteriorated rapidly, creating dangerous travel situations almost instantly. Environment Canada Meteorologist Jill Maepea described the arrival as a "wall of snow." Combined with high winds, the storm created blizzard-like visibility that forced highway closures and left motorists stranded across the region.

According to a report by Your Saint John, measuring the exact snowfall proved difficult due to the blowing snow, but estimates place Saint John and Moncton as the hardest-hit areas in the province.

By The Numbers

If it felt like the wind was howling, the data backs you up. The Saint John Airport registered wind gusts of approximately 85 km/h. In Moncton, gusts reached 91 km/h.

Regarding accumulation, Maepea confirmed that both Saint John and Moncton received approximately 25 centimetres of snow. These totals represent the highest amounts in New Brunswick from this Nor’easter.

Other areas saw significantly less accumulation:

• Miramichi: ~20 cm
• St. Stephen: ~15 cm
• Fredericton: ~5 cm

Looking Ahead

While the worst is over, winter isn’t finished yet. Maepea noted that while no major systems appear on the immediate radar, March often brings unpredictable weather. "I don’t want to rule out the fact that there remains part of the season left to have more storms," she explained.

You should keep your shovel handy for Wednesday night. Another system is tracking toward the southern part of the province, though it is expected to bring a much more manageable five centimetres of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much snow did Saint John get?

Saint John received an estimated 25 centimetres of snow, tying with Moncton for the highest accumulation in the province during this storm.

How strong were the winds in Saint John?

Wind gusts reached approximately 85 km/h at the Saint John Airport, contributing to blizzard-like conditions.

Is there more snow in the forecast?

Yes. A smaller system is expected to arrive Wednesday night, bringing approximately five centimetres of snow to the southern part of the province.