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Nova Scotia·Weather

Timeline: What to expect from weekend wind and rain storm

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon has the details on what to expect from a wind and rain storm that rolled in Friday afternoon, disrupting travel at this busy time of year.

Storm will bring heavy rain, storm surge and winds that could cause power outages

Ryan Snoddon · CBC News ·
Strong winds arrive through Friday and Friday night bringing the risk of power outages for Nova Scotia.
Strong winds arrive through Friday and Friday night bringing the risk of power outages for Nova Scotia. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

A storm that rolled through Nova Scotia Friday afternoon and will continue into Saturday is bringing heavy rain, strong winds and the risk of storm surge along parts of the coast.

Widespread wind gusts in the 80 to 100 km/h range arrived this afternoon and folks should be prepared for power outages, which have already started. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings across Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick. Rainfall warnings are also in effect for Nova Scotia.



By the time the storm departs on Saturday morning, much of Nova Scotia is expected to see 25 to 50 millimetres of rain, with higher totals possible along the Atlantic coastline. Northern New Brunswick will also see snow and ice. 

Travel is already being impacted here in Nova Scotia, and the same is likely across the Maritimes. 

More than a dozen flights have been cancelled so far at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Bay Ferries has halted crossings between Digby, N.S., and Saint John for today and Saturday. Marine Atlantic has cancelled today's sailings, and expects service disruptions between North Sydney, N.S., and Port aux Basques, N.L., tomorrow.

Heavy rain is expected across Nova Scotia. A mix of snow, ice and rain for much of New Brunswick.
Heavy rain is expected across Nova Scotia. A mix of snow, ice and rain for much of New Brunswick. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

The far-reaching storm system will also affect travel well beyond the Maritimes, from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador and the northeastern United States.

Timeline

Friday Afternoon
By Friday afternoon, the storm moved eastward. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
Here in Nova Scotia, the rain began in western parts of the province Friday morning. Southeast winds ramped up quickly, with gusts of 50 to 70 km/h.

The rain pushed eastward throughout the afternoon into central and eastern areas.  

Friday Evening
The rainstorm will peak overnight Friday. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
Friday evening saw the "meat and potatoes" of this storm with strong winds and rain.  

Friday Overnight
Rain will continue to move to the east early Saturday. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
As we move into Friday night, we're seeing the heaviest rain and strongest winds move out of central areas of Nova Scotia, including Halifax. Eastern areas will continue to see very high winds and downpours.

Saturday Morning
Storm surge will be possible during high tide on Saturday morning. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

By mid-Saturday morning the heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected to depart Cape Breton and move out over the Strait and into Newfoundland.

The threat of storm surge and high water levels will be greatest during high tide on Saturday morning. High tide will occur between 8 a.m. AT and 9:30 a.m. AT for the Atlantic coastline.

Saturday Afternoon
The worst will be over by Saturday afternoon. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

The weather will be fair for travel on Saturday across Nova Scotia and the Maritimes with just a chance of flurries. Southwest winds will remain breezy with gusts in the 60 to 80 km/h range in the morning, before easing into the afternoon.

Christmas Day Afternoon
Snow flurries are possible on Sunday, Christmas Day. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Things will remain fairly quiet into Christmas day, although a chance of onshore flurries mixed with showers continues for Nova Scotia, southern New Brunswick and P.E.I. as breezy southwest winds continue.

Stay tuned for updates on CBC radio, TV and online over the next few days as this storm tracks in. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Snoddon

Meteorologist

Ryan Snoddon is CBC's meteorologist in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

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