10:47 AM AST Friday 23 February 2024

Rain, heavy at times is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.

Locations: central, northern and eastern Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton.

Total rainfall: 25 to 50 mm, with locally higher amounts possible.

Maximum wind gusts: southerly 50 to 70 km/h, potentially higher along the Atlantic coast.

Time span: beginning this evening until Saturday evening.

Remarks: Significant runoff is expected to occur as the rain combines with mild temperatures, leading to considerable snowmelt. The heaviest rain is expected to occur overnight tonight and tomorrow morning.

A cold front will then sweep across the province on Saturday, with rain changing to snow by the evening, and quickly dropping temperatures to below zero. A period of ice pellets and freezing rain is likely as this transition occurs. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become icy and slippery as a result of rapidly dropping temperatures.

Similar storms in the past have caused hazardous driving conditions from water pooling on roadways, and localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas. Be sure to clear storm drains and gutters of ice and other debris. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

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.

-via Environment Canada