People in Atlantic Canada are battening down the hatches tonight as they prepare for a major winter storm.

"The last time I saw a storm of this intensity ... was at the end of September last year, and that was Hurricane Juan," said ATV meteorologist Peter Coade.

That Category 2 hurricane left 300,000 people without power.

Winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour are expected. They will be an estimated 40 to 50 centimetres of snow.

Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for all of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southeastern New Brunswick.

The storm is moving up from the south and will first hit the counties of Halifax, Queens and Lunenburg along the southeast coast.

By Thursday night, the storm surge could be up to 2.5 metres, which will mean flooding in lower coastal areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is expected to continue on into Thursday.

Perhaps with memories of Juan still fresh in their minds, Haligonians were stocking up on supplies Wednesday afternoon -- everything from shovels, flashlights and batteries to cooking fuel.

"I'm being a little careful about this storm," said John Velakos. "It might cause a power failure and I don't want to be left without any means of cooking."

Margaret Murphy, spokeswoman for Nova Scotia Power, said, "our entire system is on alert."

Halifax's city hall even brought in the flags in anticipation of the storm.

Emergency measures officials were asking residents there to please get their vehicles off the street.

Snowplow operators showed up at work Wednesday morning but then were sent home to rest until the storm starts dumping snow in earnest.

The province said a battery-powered radio and spare batteries can be vital in getting up-to date information, especially if there's a power failure.

In addition, everyone should have an emergency kit ready at all times which should include food, a supply of water, clothing, blankets, medication, flashlight, extra batteries and a first aid kit.

People should also check in on seniors and others who might be alone or vulnerable to make sure they're prepared to ride out the storm, it said.

ATV's Joanne Clancy contributed to this report.