For the third consecutive week, a powerful winter storm approaches Nova Scotia, delivering widespread snow, gusty winds, and potential coastal disruptions. The system moves into the region Sunday afternoon, gaining strength overnight and persisting through Monday.
Shifted Path Brings More Snow to Eastern Areas
Recent forecast models reveal the storm veering farther east than initially projected. Eastern mainland regions and Cape Breton face the heaviest accumulations, with snowfall projections of 20 to 30 centimetres. Northwest areas anticipate 5 to 10 centimetres, while central zones, including Halifax, encounter a steep gradient of 10 to 20 centimetres.
The storm currently develops off the southeast U.S. coast, requiring close monitoring through Sunday morning for any adjustments.
Strong Winds and Blowing Snow Expected
Gusts reaching 60 to 70 km/h sweep across the province, with peaks up to 80 km/h along the Atlantic coast, eastern sections, and Cape Breton. These conditions often trigger scattered power outages, prompting residents to prepare in advance.
Blowing and drifting snow heightens challenges in open, exposed areas, complicating travel even as snowfall eases. Monday morning commutes face likely delays and cancellations province-wide.
Coastal Flooding Risks Rise
As the storm nears, escalating winds generate large waves and elevated water levels along the Atlantic coast. This surge, combined with pounding surf, elevates the threat of coastal flooding at Monday’s high tide.
Detailed Timeline of Impacts
Snow advances from south to north Sunday afternoon and evening, intensifying under northeast winds of 60 to 80 km/h. Peak snowfall occurs from mid-evening Sunday through early Monday morning, with rates up to 2 to 3 centimetres per hour.
On the mainland, precipitation transitions to flurries by early to mid-Monday morning, though blowing snow persists during the commute. Conditions ease as winds subside late morning into afternoon.
Eastern locales, including the Northumberland Shore and Cape Breton, experience prolonged onshore flurries and squall risks into the afternoon. Improvement follows as winds shift northerly and northwest, but blowing snow lingers in exposed spots throughout the day.
Residual onshore flurries continue into Monday evening and overnight along the Northumberland Shore and Cape Breton, accompanied by intermittent blowing and drifting snow in vulnerable areas.
