Nova Scotia under snowfall warning with up to 20 cm expected

It's going to be a snowy start to the week with asnowfall warningin effect for most of Nova Scotia with up to 20 centimetres expectedin some parts of the province Monday.

The snowis expected to begin mid-morningtonoon in the southwestern parts ofthe province.From there it will spreadacross the region by mid to late afternoon, easing off in the evening and overnight.

Alow pressure system will move through the southwestern corner of Nova Scotia before heading towardthe Avalon Peninsula, N.L.

Rain, snow along the coast

General snowfall amounts of eightto 15 centimetres can be expected for much of the Maritimes with some exceptions.

Coastalareas may only receive a few centimetres because the snow will mix with rain.Snow will mix with or turn to rain around Halifax and along the Atlantic coastline into Digby County. Inland areas will see more snow.

The most widespread accumulations of 15 centimetres of snow will be in north and northeastern Nova Scotia including Cape Breton. As much as 20 centimetres could accumulate Monday.

The snow will ease off in the evening. By Tuesday morning, only scattered flurries are expected to remain.

Plan for slower afternoon and evening commutes and give yourself time and space on the roads.

Environment Canada is warning drivers thatrapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult in some areas.

Wind warnings in Cape Breton

Winds will be gusty with the passage of this weather system 30 to 60 km/h in most cases, except in parts ofCape Breton.

The topography of the Highlands could lead to gusts exceeding 100 km/h.In addition to the snowfall warning, Environment Canada has issued aLes Sutes wind warning is in effect for Inverness County - Mabou and north.

Snow squalls are also expected over northern and western Cape Breton, including Victoria County,Sunday night. Those are expected to ease by Monday morning.

YarmouthandShelburnecounties are the only areas not under a weather warning.