A winter storm bringing snow, freezing rain and rain to the Maritimes beginning overnight Saturday has prompted the major airlines and other transportation carriers to warn of delays for this busy travel weekend.

Both Air Canada and WestJet say the low-pressure system in the Maritimes, Ontario and Quebec could cause delays and cancellations beginning as early as Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.

Maritime Bus has a similar warning for Sunday and is urging people to check before catching a bus.

Environment Canada has issued warnings and watches for Cape Breton and central and western New Brunswick. (Environment Canada) Friday night's windy weather caused Marine Atlantic to cancel Saturday morning's sailing from North Sydney to Port Aux Basques. The company says more delays are possible over the weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a Les Suêtes wind warning and a snow-squall watch, with gusts of up to 140 km/hr expected for Inverness County, Mabou and north, in Cape Breton. Victoria County is also under a snow-squall watch.

Freezing rain for central, western N.B.

The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation has been preparing for the past couple of days for the weekend weather.

"Our salt domes are full and we'll get out early with the anti-icing and direct-liquid application, the brine, that goes on the highways," said Barb Baillie, the department's director of operational services.

Halifax, which is facing criticism about its snow plowing after Thursday's hit of snow left several accidents and stranded vehicles, says it will be ready for whatever Sunday brings.

"We're always watching future weather forecasts and current conditions and basing our response to snow clearing and treatment of the roads in advance of any storms, so certainly right now we're watching the forecast and making sure we'll be ready," said Tiffany Chas, city spokeswoman.

Nova Scotia salt trucks are preparing for Sunday's mixed precipitation. (CBC) Central and western New Brunswick are under a freezing rain warning. Snow is expected to develop first, change to ice pellets Sunday morning and then to freezing rain near noon. The freezing rain will end early Sunday evening.

The Department of Public Safety's Emergency Measures Organization issued a severe weather advisory.

"Residents are reminded that highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Drivers and pedestrians should take extra precautions," said the advisory.

The EMO also warned of possible localized flooding.

As of 2 p.m. Saturday, Environment Canada hadn't issued any weather warnings or statements for P.E.I., but the province isn't likely to emerge unscathed.

Periods of snow, turning to ice pellets are expected, with amounts reaching five to 10 centimetres. Freezing rain and rain in the afternoon will amount to five millimetres. Temperatures will be warm, with a high of 9 C.

Environment Canada has issued winter warnings in nine provinces for this weekend.