Flooding likely with up to 100 mm of rain expected this weekend

Skies over New Brunswick will cloud over today with pleasant temperatures in the mid teens but stormy weather will move in tonight.

"Winds will increase out of the southeast through the overnight with gusts as high as 50 km/h by tomorrow morning," said CBC meteorologist Brennan Allen.

By mid Saturday morning the Maritimes will see rain, at times heavy, with thundershowers.

"This slow moving system will continue to bring heavy rain and strong gusty winds between 70 and 80 km/h on Saturday and Sunday," Allen said.

"By Monday morning a large portion of southwest and central New Brunswick, including Fredericton and Saint John, will see rainfall totals approach, if not exceed, 100 mm."

Environment Canada has issued alerts for all of New Brunswick with a rainfall warning in place for much of the south.

"These amounts will approach 100 mm total over southwestern regions. The rain will continue Saturday night before easing up Sunday morning. Additional amounts overnight Saturday could expand the areas of rainfall warnings as well as push total rainfall amounts even higher in southwestern regions."

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the rest of the province which includes the north and the southeast, where 24 to 40 mm of rain is expected.

A break in the rain is expected on Sunday, however Environment Canada warns another burst of rain is likely on Monday.

"Residents living near the Saint John River and its tributaries should remain on alert. The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization advises drivers to avoid any roads covered by water, as it represents a serious safety risk."

New Brunswick forecast

Northern New Brunswick

Today: It will be mainly cloudy with winds from the south near 15 km/h and a high near 14 C in the northwest, 17 C in the northeast.

Tonight: Skies will be mainly cloudy with 5 to 10 mm of rain, at times heavy, near midnight. Winds will be from the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h with a low of 6 C.

Saturday: Expect periods of rain and strong winds with a high near 16 C,

Fredericton and area

Today: It will be mainly cloudy with winds from the south at 15 km/h and a high of 15 C.

Tonight: Skies will be cloudy with fog patches and 15 to 25 mm of rain, at times heavy, beginning late in the evening. Winds will be from the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h with a low near 8 C.

Saturday: Expect periods of rain with the risk of thundershowers,strong winds and a high of 17 C.

Southern New Brunswick

Today: It will be mainly cloudy with winds from the south near 15 km/h and a high of 12 C in the southwest, 17 C in the southeast.

Tonight: Skies will be mainly cloudy with fog patches and 15 to 30 mm of rain, at times heavy, beginning late in the evening. Winds will be from the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h with a low near 8 C.

Saturday: Expect periods of rain with the risk of thundershowers, strong winds and a high of 17 C in the southwest, 20 C in the southeast.