A winter storm approaches Nova Scotia for the third consecutive week, delivering widespread snow, strong winds, and potential coastal flooding. The system moves into the region Sunday afternoon, gaining strength overnight and affecting the province through Monday.
Storm Path and Snowfall Forecast
Updated models indicate the storm tracks farther east than initially projected, concentrating the heaviest snow in the eastern mainland and Cape Breton. Snow accumulation varies across the province: five to 10 centimetres in the northwest, escalating to 20 to 30 centimetres in eastern zones. Areas like Halifax face a transition zone with 10 to 20 centimetres.
Wind Impacts and Power Outage Risks
Strong winds accompany the snow, with gusts reaching 60 to 70 km/h province-wide. Coastal Atlantic regions and eastern areas, including Cape Breton, may experience gusts up to 80 km/h. These conditions heighten the risk of scattered power outages, prompting residents to prepare in advance.
Blowing and drifting snow will challenge travel, particularly in exposed areas, even as snowfall eases. Expect delays and cancellations on Monday, especially during the morning commute.
Coastal Flooding Concerns
As the storm nears, large waves and rising water levels threaten the Atlantic coast. Pounding surf combined with high tides on Monday increases the likelihood of coastal flooding.
Detailed Timeline
Snow advances from south to north Sunday afternoon and evening, intensifying overnight with northeast winds gusting 60 to 80 km/h. Peak snowfall occurs from mid-Sunday evening through early Monday morning, with rates of two to three centimetres per hour in the heaviest bands.
On the mainland, snow transitions to flurries by early to mid-Monday morning, though blowing snow persists during the commute. Winds ease in the late morning, improving conditions province-wide by afternoon.
Eastern regions, such as the Northumberland Shore and Cape Breton, face prolonged onshore flurries and squall risks into the afternoon. Blowing snow lingers throughout the day, with northerly and northwesterly winds gradually aiding improvement. Onshore flurries continue into Monday evening and overnight in these areas, affecting open and exposed locations.
Forecasters advise close monitoring of the developing system off the southeast U.S. coast through Sunday morning for any adjustments.
