Quick Read
- Snowfall warnings are in effect for Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Halifax, Guysborough, Pictou, and Antigonish counties.
- These areas are expected to receive 15 to 20 cm of snow from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.
- Special weather statements cover other parts of Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and New Brunswick, with 5-15 cm expected.
- The snow will be compact and heavy due to temperatures near freezing, potentially causing power outages.
- Rush hour traffic is expected to be significantly impacted, especially in Nova Scotia.
HALIFAX (Azat TV) – Nova Scotia is under widespread snowfall warnings and special weather statements as an Alberta Clipper system is expected to bring significant snow accumulations across the Maritimes from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning. The impending weather event could severely impact rush hour traffic and potentially lead to localized power outages, according to Environment Canada.
The weather alerts, issued Tuesday afternoon, specifically target Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Halifax County, Guysborough County, Pictou County, and Antigonish County, where a yellow snowfall warning is in effect. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for 15 to 20 centimeters of snow, which is anticipated to make roads and walkways difficult to navigate. Environment Canada has highlighted the risk of compact, heavy snow weighing down tree branches, increasing the likelihood of power interruptions.
Nova Scotia Snowfall: Anticipated Accumulations and Impact
Beyond the primary warning areas, special weather statements cover Yarmouth County, Digby County, the Annapolis Valley, and southern Colchester County, where 10 to 15 centimeters of snow are expected. Similar accumulations are possible for southern Inverness, Richmond, and Cape Breton Counties in Cape Breton. While the snow is not projected to start in much of Cape Breton until Wednesday evening, Environment Canada indicated that parts of the island could still be upgraded to a snowfall warning in subsequent updates.
Meteorologists are forecasting a broad 10-to-20 centimeter snowfall across much of Nova Scotia. There is also a possibility of isolated pockets along the eastern Atlantic coastline receiving higher amounts, potentially between 20 to 30 centimeters. The snow’s compact and heavy nature is attributed to temperatures rising to near or just above freezing as the precipitation falls, intensifying the risk of power disruptions.
Regional Weather Outlook: P.E.I. and New Brunswick
The Alberta Clipper’s reach extends beyond Nova Scotia, with Prince Edward Island expecting 5 to 10 centimeters of snow. Communities in the southeastern corner of P.E.I., such as Wood Islands and Murray Harbour, could see amounts climb above 10 centimeters if heavier snow bands from eastern Nova Scotia reach the island Wednesday night. Southern areas of New Brunswick are also forecast to receive 5 to 10 centimeters of snow, while the rest of the province will experience lighter periods totaling two to five centimeters.
The snow is scheduled to begin overnight Tuesday in western New Brunswick and southwest Nova Scotia, ensuring a snowy start to Wednesday for these regions. The system will then develop across the broader Maritime region throughout Wednesday morning and afternoon. A more intense band of snow is expected to arrive in Halifax and Guysborough counties early Wednesday evening, subsequently spreading across eastern Nova Scotia and into parts of Cape Breton through the night. This heavier snowfall may persist in Cape Breton into Thursday morning, while other parts of the Maritimes are likely to see snow ease to flurries by Wednesday evening.
Wind Conditions and Travel Advisories
While the snowfall is significant, strong winds are not anticipated to be a primary concern. Wind gusts are expected to range from 20 to 50 kilometers per hour across most of the Maritimes. However, eastern Nova Scotia could experience peak gusts of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour on Wednesday night, which, combined with heavy snow, could further complicate travel conditions and impact visibility. Local authorities and Environment Canada strongly advise residents to monitor weather updates and adjust travel plans accordingly, especially during peak commute times, as reported by CTV News.
The combination of a widespread snowfall warning and the specific characteristics of the snow—compact and heavy due to fluctuating temperatures—underscores a heightened potential for travel disruptions and infrastructure challenges across Nova Scotia and surrounding Maritime provinces, marking this as a particularly impactful winter event.