Heavy rain, threat of significant freezing rain on the way to Nova Scotia

An incoming storm will bring the potential for localized flooding and then the risk of significant freezing rain and power outages as the winds kick up and temperatures drop on Thursday.

The heaviest rainfall is expected in the south and west of the province where amounts in the 40- to 60-millimetre range are likely. The greatest risk for freezing rain will be across northern and eastern areas of the province.

Rain will arrive from west to east on Wednesday night and then become heavy at times on Thursday. Localized flooding and conditions for hydroplaning are possibilities on the roads, especially in low-lying areas.

As winds shift to northerly on Thursday afternoon, the temperature will begin to fall and the rain will turn to freezing rain and ice pellets for northern areas.

Areas from the Annapolis Valley through Colchester and Cumberland counties to the Northumberland Shore and northern Cape Breton have the potential to see an extended period of icing throughout Thursday afternoon and evening, before mixing over to light snow.

These northern areas of Nova Scotia will see the greatest risk of significant freezing rain and the potential for power outages, especially as the northeast winds kick up Thursday evening and overnight with gusts 50 to 70 km/h.

Closer to the Atlantic coastline, the rain will mix to freezing rain and ice pellets on Thursday evening and overnight as the temperatures fall. While the freezing rain likely won't last as long for southern areas, it could still have an impact with the potential for icy conditions and some outages carrying into Friday morning.

Some lingering snow and ice pellets are likely to remain for the Atlantic coastline and Cape Breton into Friday, however that is expected to taper to flurries throughout the morning.

WATCH | Meteorologist Ryan Snoddon's forecast for freezing rain

Heavy rain, threat of significant freezing rain on the way to Nova Scotia

9 months ago

Duration 2:29

Meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says it's going to be messy.