Nova Scotia is bracing for a mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain on Thursday as a winter storm system moves in from Ontario and Quebec.
Ian Hubbard, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says the system will begin as snow in the southwest in the morning before moving across the mainland in the early afternoon and reaching Cape Breton later in the day.
“Snowfall amounts will vary across the province,” Hubbard said. “Western areas will likely see the least, with just a couple of centimetres. Central areas could get around five centimetres, while northern and eastern areas, including much of Cape Breton, will see five to ten centimetres. The northern tip of Cape Breton could get the most, with 10 to 15 centimetres before the system moves out.”
Following the snow, Hubbard says a prolonged period of freezing precipitation will move in, bringing ice pellets and freezing rain. While most areas will see ice pellets—which accumulate but don’t adhere to surfaces like freezing rain—the mix will create slick conditions.
“As temperatures warm up, the mix will turn to slush and begin to melt,” he said.
By late afternoon or early evening, southwestern areas will begin to see temperatures rise, with central and northern areas following later in the evening. Cape Breton will warm toward midnight, helping to reduce icy buildup.
A special weather statement is in effect for most of Nova Scotia, but no snowfall or freezing rain warnings have been issued yet. However, Hubbard says northern Cape Breton and the Highlands are under a winter storm watch due to expected high snowfall and strong winds, which could reduce visibility.
“These alerts could be upgraded closer to Thursday morning,” he said.
While no official statements have been made on road conditions, Hubbard says mixed precipitation can create challenges.
“With the recent cold temperatures, the ground is already frozen, so anything that falls—especially ice pellets—will stick and won’t melt right away,” he said. “That can create icy conditions until temperatures rise later in the day.”
