High winds, heavy rain expected across N.S.
Storm expected to bring between 25 and 60 mm of rain, wind gusts up to 140 km/h
Meteorologists are warning Nova Scotians to brace for a blustery Saturday night.
Environment Canada has issued wind warnings across the province, with gusts up to 110 km/h expected in eastern parts of the province. In those areas, the national weather service says there is a significant risk of damage to buildings, including shingles and windows.
In addition, a Les Suêtes wind warning has been issued for Inverness County - Mabou and north, with winds gusting to 140 km/h expected to continue this evening until winds become southerly.
Rainfall warnings have also been issued for the entire province with totals ranging from 25 to 40 millimetres in most areas. Communities along the Atlantic coast could see as much as 60 millimetres of rain though.
Environment Canada said this could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas because the frozen ground can't absorb the rainfall as well.
Rainfall Warnings, Wind Warnings & Snowfall Warnings are in place ahead of our weekend storm. <br>Widespread rainfall amounts of 25-50 mm across southern NB and southern NS, including Cape Breton.<br>Heavy snow will be confined to northwester NB.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nsstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nsstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nbstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nbstorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/6wvPjxTgtI">pic.twitter.com/6wvPjxTgtI</a>
—@ryansnoddonThe rain started Saturday morning and the highest winds will develop in the evening.
Temperatures will drop on Sunday and rain will change to snow in the north, tapering off during the day, according to Environment Canada.
Halifax Regional Municipality is warning residents to be prepared for power outages.
On Saturday night, Nova Scotia Power reported that around 1,300 customers,mainly in the HRM and Cape Breton, were without power. As of about 7 a.m. Sunday morning outages were still affecting about 7,500 customers in Cape Breton.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is telling people to check their flight status before heading to the airport as heavy rain and strong winds may affect flight schedules.
Please be advised that the heavy rain and strong winds may impact your flight schedule. Please confirm the status of your flight before heading to the airport today. <a href="https://t.co/roYkRKaKq1">pic.twitter.com/roYkRKaKq1</a>
—@HfxStanfieldMarine Atlantic said all ferry crossings in both directions between North Sydney, N.S., and Port aux Basques, N.L., are cancelled today and tomorrow.
It said the poor weather could possibly affect sailings on March 14.
Bay Ferries said the Fundy Rose crossing departing Digby, N.S., to Saint John at 4 p.m. AT today was cancelled. The crossing departing Saint John Sunday at 9 a.m. is also cancelled.