“Potentially Historic Ice Storm” On Route For Nova Scotia – Governments And N.S. Power Preparing

The cancellations are already rolling in for Friday as Nova Scotians prepare for what The Weather Network is calling a “potentially historic ice storm”.

An extended period of freezing rain is expected for much of the province with most of Nova Scotia under Freezing Rain Warnings issued by Environment Canada.

According to The Weather Network, areas of the province could see catastrophic tree and utility damage due to ice accretion on limbs and powerlines.

Ice accretion impact chart in case you need a refresher #atlstorm pic.twitter.com/ZTOCtZvASx

— Nathan Coleman (@NateTWN) February 3, 2022

“Weather forecasts are calling for a heavy amount of rain, freezing rain, snow and ice pellets beginning overnight Thursday and continuing all day Friday.” said Sean Borden, Nova Scotia Power’s storm lead. “We are positioning power line crews, forestry and other teams across the province, so we are ready to safely respond as quickly as possible for our customers.” 

We're activating our Emergency Operations Centre at 7am tomorrow (Friday), in advance of the fifth major winter storm expected to hit the province in the last four weeks. We’re positioning crews across NS. #NSStorm

Find more info in our release here: https://t.co/TYrVVbM3wk pic.twitter.com/s8y61f2oAu

— Nova Scotia Power (@nspowerinc) February 3, 2022

As the storm approaches, be sure to prepare with enough supplies on hand to last at least 72 hours without power.

Now is a good time to stock up on essential items ahead of the approaching storm.

•Enough food and water on hand for 72 hours.
•Monitor local media outlets for updates.
•Check radio and flashlight batteries.
•Make sure cell phones are charged before the storm.#NSStorm pic.twitter.com/iq2f9BypG3

— Nova Scotia EMO (@nsemo) February 3, 2022

This storm is expected to last for an extended period Friday and into Saturday morning. Areas of northern Nova Scotia and northern Cape Breton could receive 30+ cm of snow. The Atlantic coast will be the last area to switch to freezing rain and will see mainly a rain event with some seeing 60+ mm.

In case you missed it, here is a thread of municipal closures and impacts for Friday, February 4. #NSStorm

For the most up to date information and for more details, visit: https://t.co/36n7Nljrcf pic.twitter.com/qaYPxBwyK8

— hfxgov (@hfxgov) February 3, 2022