Nova Scotia prepares for messy weather as storm approaches

Nova Scotia is getting ready for another messy blast of winter beginningSunday.

A large winter storm is expected to hit the region, with up to 15 centimetres of snow and 50 millimetres of rain possible throughout the province.Freezing rain and strong winds are also likely.

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says the storm is expected to start Sunday morning with snowand a mix of ice pellets and freezing rain, turning to rain Sunday afternoon.

"The freezing rain could hang on longer into Sunday evening for the Valley and northern Nova Scotia, especially Colchester and Cumberland counties," he said Friday afternoon.

With the ground frozen solid, the heavy rain will likely lead to localized flooding across most of the province, he said.

Southerly winds gusting 80-100 km/h,reaching over 100km/h inCape Breton on Sunday night, will shift to west and northwest on Monday. Temperatures are also expected to drop on Monday, leading to icy conditions.

Snoddon urged residents to regularly checkweather forecasts over the weekend.

Nova Scotia Power says it is gettingpower line crews and its customer care centre prepared for the storm.

Halifax Water is encouraging people to clear ice and snow from catch basins near their homes.

Air Canada announced customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements for Sunday flights can do so without penalty, space permitting.WestJetalso said it "has made it easier for guests impacted by the following events to make changes to their itineraries" for Sunday flights.

Marine Atlantic is already advising customers of possible cancellations or delays offerry crossings between North Sydney, N.S., and Port aux Basques, N.L., on Sunday night and Monday morning.

People can get ready for the storm by:

• Preparing anemergency kit with flashlights, a battery-powered radio and fresh water.
• Chargingelectronic devices.
• Installing backup generators properly outdoors.
• Clearing drains or catch basins.
• Marking any permanent structures near roads or sidewalks with reflectors.
• Being aware of any parking bans in the area and movingvehicles accordingly.