Nova Scotians Alerted to Storm Hazards

For the third successive Monday, Nova Scotians are facing rough weather, with a forecasted mix of snow, rain and heavy wind raising concerns about coastal surges and hazardous driving conditions.

"The risks are real," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of the Emergency Management office. "Nova Scotians and holiday visitors to our province should be cautious, especially around the coastline and on the highways. Storm surges are a particular worry for the next day and a half."

Environment Canada is tracking a weather system that is already causing snow in Southwestern Nova Scotia. It will bring snow followed by rain and heavy winds to much of the province today, Dec. 20, and Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Between five and 15 centimetres of snow are possible, followed by varying amounts of rain that could reach 70 millimetres in Cape Breton.

An easterly to northeasterly weather flow will continue overnight and throughout Tuesday, bringing the strongest winds, up to 90 km/h to Cape Breton Tuesday afternoon.

The Emergency Management Office is cautioning that storm surges are possible in most coastline areas, and are likely in northern coastal areas from Cape Breton to the Confederation Bridge and into New Brunswick. The combination of northeasterly winds and moderate to high tides make low-lying tidal flats especially vulnerable. The threat will continue over the next two days.

EMO urges people to take all the usual precautions for a range of adverse weather. Driving conditions could be slippery with snow and hazardous because of water accumulation or scattered ice patches. With the high winds, power outages may occur. For safety tips on power failures visit emo.gov.ns.ca/content/power-failures .