Hip waders could be the clothing choice over the next couple of days in New Brunswick.

Environment Canada is warning of heavy rain and strong winds for much of the province.

Meteorologist Jill Maepea said rain will begin Tuesday night and is expected to continue into Thursday.

“We will see some pockets of heavier showers probably in the morning [Wednesday] but really it’s the afternoon and then into Thursday night where we see the heaviest rain,” Maepea says.

A rainfall warning has been issued for central and southern New Brunswick, including Saint John, the Kennebecasis Valley, Sussex, Charlotte County, Greater Fredericton, and Grand Lake.

Southern New Brunswick can expect 60 to 90 millimetres of rain, with possibly higher amounts in some areas. For central regions, rainfall totals could range from 25 to 60 millimetres.

A special weather statement is in effect for eastern regions, including Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick, as well as Kent County, with total amounts of 15 to 25 millimetres expected.

Maepea said the frozen ground is cause for concern because there is limited ability for the rain to be absorbed, which will cause runoff in some areas.

“There could be localized flooding in those low-level prone areas, anywhere that water can pool and build up,” Maepea says.

High winds are also expected with this system, beginning on Wednesday afternoon, according to Maepea.

Southerly winds are expected to gust to between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour. Exposed areas along the Fundy coast could see gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour.

Maepea says it is not unusual to see a January or February thaw along with warm-ups and rainfalls, but there is also some concern about a forecasted drop in temperatures on Thursday.

“We’re expecting those temperatures to go from 10 degrees to below zero within a few hours. Whether it’s classified as a flash freeze, it remains to be seen, but you can expect any open standing water or wet surfaces to freeze rapidly,” Maepea says.