More snow forecast as RCMP advise motorists to avoid driving if possible

RCMP are advising motorists to stay off the roads if possible Sunday as a winter storm continues to make driving hazardous on P.E.I.

Environment Canada has upgraded its special weather statement to a winter storm warning for Queens and Kings counties.

A blowing snow advisory is in effect for Prince County.

RCMP say Route 2 between and Brookfield and Greenvale has reopened after being down to one lane for much of the morning due to a two-vehicle collision. One of the vehicles was a fuel truck, police say, but there were no injuries and no fuel spillage.

"P.E.I. RCMP ask all Islanders to avoid driving if at all possible," the police force said in a statement. "If you do have to go out, ensure your vehicle is cleared of all snow, your lights are visible and on, and that you drive for the conditions — slow down and leave extra space."

Charlottetown has already seen about 30 centimetres of snow since Friday.

An additional 15-30 centimetres is possible for central and eastern P.E.I. though Monday night, with 10-20 centimetres of additional snow possible over western areas, according to CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland.

"A strong north-northeasterly wind with 60-80 km/h peak gusts will persist today into Monday, which means that poor visibility due to blowing snow and significant drifting will remain a concern over that time," Scotland said.

The Air Canada flight from Montreal to Charlottetown was cancelled Sunday morning, as well as the afternoon flight from Ottawa via Porter.

The McGill Centre mental health walk-in clinic in Charlottetown has also closed due to the weather, Health P.E.I. said.

Voting in Monday's byelection in District 19: Borden-Kinkora could also be affected by the weather. Elections P.E.I. said it will make an announcement by 7 a.m. Monday about whether it will be postponed.