Eastern Nova Scotia Pre-Christmas Winter Storm

11:15 PM AST Wednesday 20 December 2023

A long episode of heavy rain is expected.

Additional 20 to 70 mm rainfall by Thursday morning.

Locations: eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.

Similar storms in the past have caused:

- water overtopping property and infrastructure

- fast-flowing water, often at levels exceeding river banks

- washouts and closures of roads and bridges 

Time span: Until early Thursday morning.

Remarks: A southerly flow will continue to direct significant rainfall from the subtropics into eastern Nova Scotia. Rainfall rates could exceed 15 mm per hour over some locations.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Rainfall warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to NSstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.

11:12 PM AST Wednesday 20 December 2023

Strong winds that may cause damage are expected or occurring.

Maximum wind gusts: 90 km/h.

Locations: Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough Counties as well as Cape Breton Island.

Time span: beginning tomorrow and persisting tomorrow night.

Remarks: Winds will diminish slightly over the eastern mainland Thursday evening.

Utility outages may occur.

Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to NSstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.

11:25 PM AST Wednesday 20 December 2023

Snow and strong northerly winds are expected.

Locations: Cape Breton Island.

Total snowfall: possibly 10 to 15 cm.

Time span: Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. Heaviest snowfall likely Thursday night.

Remarks: As the rain transitions to ice pellets there will be a risk of freezing rain.

Winter type warnings may be issued with subsequent forecasts.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to NSstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.