First wallop of winter weather in 2024 arrives in Nova Scotia
Yarmouth. Shelburne, South Shore areas could receive 25 centimetres of snow
The first wallop of winter weather in 2024 arrived Sunday and is expected to continue until Monday morning.
The highest snowfall amounts are expected on Sunday evening in the southwest of the province with up to 25 centimetres expected in the Yarmouth, Shelburne and South Shore areas, according to CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon.
The snow will be on the fluffier side, Snoddon said, which could lead to blowing and drifting as the northeast winds gust 40-60 km/h and up to 80 km/h in the southwest.
Winter storm warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties.
There is also a snowfall warning for Digby County. According to Environment Canada, up to 20 centimetres of snow could fall in southern parts of the county, but a shift in the storm system could bring similar amounts to the north.
Special weather statements have been issued by Environment Canada for Annapolis County, Halifax Metro and Halifax County West. Those areas could receive from five to 15 centimetres of snowfall..
Shelter space
A temporary shelter will operate out of the Halifax Forum from noon Sunday until noon Monday, with beds for 50 people. Transportation will be available for those in need.
"We'll probably have full capacity," said Marcus James with 902 Man Up, which is operating the shelter. James said people who come to the shelter will also be given warm food and drinks.
Leslie Porter, a volunteer based in Windsor, N.S., said those who need to keep warm in the West Hants area can go to the Windsor community centre.
A group of volunteers established the drop-in warming centre over the holidays. It is open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. everyday except Thursdays in January. Porter said the hours were expanded this weekend due to the cold weather.
"We managed to have enough emergency volunteers pull forward and work overnight. So we're going to be open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.," she said.
Porter said five people used the space overnight Saturday and expects them to return Sunday evening.
Parking ban in effect
Anyone experiencing homelessness can call 211 to learn more about shelter options across the province.
Weather conditions are expected to improve early Monday, according to Environment Canada.
Halifax Regional Municipality will enforce an overnight parking ban from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday. Enforcement will occur in central and non-central zones. Residents can enter their address online for further information.