Snow, ice pellets and freezing rain headed to Eastern Canada this weekend

MONTREAL – A mix of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain is expected as part of a powerful winter storm blanketing much of Eastern Canada this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued severe weather warnings for an area stretching from southern Ontario all the way to Prince Edward Island.

Freezing rain began falling overnight in Quebec and police say difficult road conditions may have played a role in three deaths in three separate highway accidents.

The storm has already led to dozens of delays at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. There area also cancellations and delays at Pearson Airport in Toronto.

Environment Canada suggests people in affected areas should consider delaying, or even cancelling, their travel plans.

The agency says road conditions could deteriorate rapidly.