Special Weather Advisory Issued for Nova Scotia
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Nova Scotia, warning residents of deteriorating weather conditions set to impact the province starting Saturday afternoon and extending into Sunday morning.
The alert specifically addresses the anticipated heavy rain and high winds expected during this period. Rainfall is forecasted to intensify, with southern winds strengthening and wet snow potentially making an appearance in northwestern New Brunswick.
According to meteorological predictions, the province can expect rain totals ranging from 40 to 70 mm, with certain areas facing the risk of exceeding 70 mm. Additionally, the rain will be accompanied by strong and gusty southerly winds, with peak gusts expected to reach 70 to 90 km/h. The statement emphasizes that the highest wind gusts are likely to impact exposed coastal areas.
As a coastal low progresses up the eastern U.S. seaboard and merges with a westward-moving cold front, Nova Scotia is bracing for inclement weather on Saturday. The weather event is set to unfold with light-to-moderate rain developing in New Brunswick and western Nova Scotia on Saturday morning.
The intensity of the rain is expected to escalate during Saturday afternoon and evening, spreading across the Maritimes. Southern and eastern regions of New Brunswick, mainland Nova Scotia, and western Prince Edward Island face the greatest risk of downpours, with possible rain totals ranging from 50 to 100 mm. This heightened precipitation increases the risk of localized flooding and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
In the northwestern corner of New Brunswick, a mix of rain and snow is anticipated, with potential accumulations ranging from 2 to 10 cm. Some mountainous terrain may experience higher amounts, approaching 15 cm.
The peak of southerly winds is expected Saturday evening and night, with the strongest gusts likely along the Atlantic coastal side of Nova Scotia, reaching up to 90 km/h. Northern Inverness County and Cape Breton, particularly due to the topography of the Highlands, may experience gusts exceeding 100 km/h on Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
