HALIFAX -- Environment Canada says most of the Maritimes is in for a significant soaking over the next two days as a large storm front approaches from the eastern U.S.

The deepening area of low pressure has prompted a heavy rainfall and winter weather warning in parts of central and northern New Brunswick.

A mix of snow and freezing rain later today in the Fredericton area is to be followed by as much as 70 millimetres of rain through Wednesday.

The forecast is calling for significant rainfall in Nova Scotia with some northern and western regions forecast to get up to 60 millimetres of rain.

A much as 50 millimetres of rain accompanied by high wind gusts is expected for parts of Prince Edward Island by late Wednesday.