Nova ScotiaWeather

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 Posted: Dec 22, 2022 3:25 PM EST | Last Updated: December 24, 2022

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

A storm thatrolled throughNova Scotia Friday afternoonand 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 rangearrived this afternoon andfolks should be prepared for power outages, which have already started. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warningsacross Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick. Rainfall warnings are also in effect for Nova Scotia.

7,000 Nova Scotia Power customers remain without electricity after high winds, rain

=Updated=
Storm Surge Warnings expanded to include the southwest Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia.
Special weather statements for surge concerns elsewhere.
Wind & rainfall warnings continue across the Maritimes. Snowfall warnings for NE New Brunswick.#nsstorm #nbstorm #pestorm pic.twitter.com/Kdv5eAEQoK
—@ryansnoddon

By the time the storm departs on Saturday morning, much of Nova Scotia is expected tosee 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 alreadybeing impacted here in Nova Scotia, and the same is likely across the Maritimes.

More than adozen flights have been cancelled so far atHalifax Stanfield International Airport.

Bay Ferries hashalted 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. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

The far-reaching storm system will also affecttravel 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 beganinwestern parts of the province Fridaymorning. Southeast winds ramped up quickly, with gusts of 50 to 70km/h.

The rainpushed eastward throughout the afternoon into central and eastern areas.

Friday evening sawthe "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'reseeing 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 anddownpours.

By mid-Saturday morning the heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected to departCape Breton and moveout over the Strait and into Newfoundland.

The threat ofstorm 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 80km/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 onlineover the next few days as this storm tracks in.

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