Blizzard warning for 

Halifax Metro and Halifax County West upgraded from Winter storm watch

 

Heavy snowfall and blowing snow developing tonight and continuing Saturday. Rapid accumulation is expected early Saturday.

 

This is a warning that blizzard conditions with near-zero visibilities are expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..listen for updated statements.

 

A low pressure system will intensify as it passes east of Cape Hatteras today before tracking south of Nova Scotia Saturday.

 

This system will give heavy snow, very strong northeast winds gusting between 80 to 100 km/h and blowing snow to Nova Scotia beginning tonight and continuing Saturday. These blizzard conditions will persist Saturday night and into Sunday morning for Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia. The heaviest snow will occur overnight in the west and Saturday morning and afternoon in the east.

 

Total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 centimetres are expected throughout the province however there is a possibility of 30 to 40 centimetres over inland areas. The snow will become mixed with ice pellets along the south shore Saturday morning.

 

Strong winds associated with this system combined with large tides will produce higher than normal water levels and pounding surf along the Atlantic coast Saturday. There is a risk of some coastal flooding due the very rough sea and the resulting elevated water levels especially around high tide Saturday morning.

 

Strong northeasterlies over the Gulf of St. Lawrence may also give higher than normal water levels later on Saturday into Sunday. In addition, these strong winds will push pack ice into north to northeast facing shorelines. 

 

Source: Release