Story updated at 12:00PM, Thursday, February, 03, 2022)
Environment Canada is once again letting Nova Scotians know hazardous conditions are expected in most of the province. Winter Storm Warnings, Rainfall Warnings and Freezing Rain Warnings blanket the province. They have been issued ahead of a storm that is bringing a mixed bag of weather to Nova Scotia.
There is expected to be a heavy buildup of ice in much of the province which could lead to broken power lines and extended power outages.
Winter Storm Warning
Colchester County – Cobequid Bay
Colchester County North
Cumberland County – Minas Shore
Cumberland County North and Cobequid Pass
Inverness County – Mabou and north
Victoria County
Periods of rain will transition to snow and ice pellets before Friday morning. The highest accumulations are forecast over western Cumberland County near Chignecto Bay and near the New Brunswick border. Accumulations of ice pellets and snow could reach 30 cm.
The rest of Cumberland and Colchester counties can expect an extended period of ice pellets early Friday morning continuing though to Saturday morning. There is also a risk of freezing rain Friday morning.
Northern regions of Victoria and Inverness counties could see 30 – 50 cm of snow after an extended period of snow and freezing rain.
Highways, roads and walkways will become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Freezing Rain Warning
Annapolis County
Antigonish County
Colchester County – Truro and south
Digby County
Guysborough County
Halifax County – east of Porters Lake
Halifax Metro and Halifax County West
Hants County
Inverness County – south of Mabou
Kings County
Lunenburg County
Pictou County
Richmond County
Sydney Metro and Cape Breton County
Periods of rain will transition to freezing rain and ice pellets Thursday night or Friday morning. Freezing rain will become heavy at times and continue though Friday and Saturday. There is a risk of significant ice build up on surfaces by Saturday morning.
Highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become extremely slippery and hazardous. Beware of branches or electrical wires that could break under the weight of the ice. Widespread, extended power outages are possible.
Rainfall Warning
Digby County
Halifax County – east of Porters Lake
Halifax Metro and Halifax County West
Lunenburg County
Queens County
Shelburne County
Yarmouth County
An extended period of rain is expected in these areas of Southern Nova Scotia from Thursday night through Saturday. Total rainfall will be up to 60 mm.
Periods of rain Thursday will intensify Thursday night and continue through Friday and Friday night. Inland areas will see significant freezing rain and freezing rainfall warnings are in effect for some counties. Precipitation will change to snow Saturday morning then taper off to scattered flurries Saturday afternoon.
The ground is frozen and has reduced capability of absorbing rainfall. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.