Winter storm, snowfall warnings in effect for most of Nova Scotia
Heaviest snowfall set for central region, including Halifax, where 20-30 centimetres expected
An incoming nor'easter is tracking toward the Maritimes Thursday, set to unleash heavy snow and some gusty winds.
Environment Canada has issued winter storm and snowfall warnings for most of Nova Scotia, with special weather statements in effect for northern Cape Breton.
Snowfall warnings are also in place for P.E.I. and southern New Brunswick.
The snow is expected to roll in from west to east Thursday afternoon and evening.
Central Nova Scotia, including Halifax, is set to see the heaviest snowfall, with 20 to 30 centimetres expected.
Amounts will drop off to the east and into Cape Breton, where amounts could range from 10 to 20 centimetres.
Southwestern Nova Scotia will see variable snowfall ranging from 20 centimetres for inland areas, to about five centimetres along the Tri-county coastline, where the snow will mix with rain.
Folks in western and central Nova Scotia, including Halifax, should expect slick and snowy conditions to develop throughout the afternoon, making for a messy commute.
Eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton will see the snow arrive throughout this evening.
Winds will ramp up this evening with widespread gusts in the 40 to 60 km/h range. Stronger gusts up to 70 and 80 km/h are possible along the Atlantic coastline overnight.
The snow will clear from west to east overnight and into early Friday.
Northwest winds will slowly ease throughout the day on Friday with a chance of lingering flurries, then clearing skies.
Cancellations and delays
The municipal overnight winter parking ban will be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday.
Halifax Transit will be ending service early Thursday night, with no new trips starting after 10 p.m. It will also have a delayed start Friday morning, with service returning at 10 a.m.
Mic Mac Mall and Halifax Shopping Centre both announced 7 p.m. closures Thursday., with plans to reopen at noon on Friday.
The day shift at all Irving Shipbuilding sites is cancelled Friday.
Curbside collection of garbage, organics and recyclables on Friday has been cancelled across the municipality. For residents who would normally have collection, services have been rescheduled to Saturday.
The Halifax Regional Municipality says a decision will be made by 8 a.m. Friday — with potential reopening at 10 a.m. — as to whether municipal rentals, facilities and programming activities will continue as scheduled.
All matters in Halifax night court are cancelled Thursday because of the weather. In a tweet, Nova Scotia Courts said staff would be in touch about rescheduling.
The Kings Transit Authority announced it would "cease operations" at 6 p.m. Thursday because of the weather.
Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services said it is working with municipalities and shelters to ensure there are enough beds and warm places for people experiencing homelessness overnight. Those in need of shelter can call 211 to find out what's available in their community.
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