Safety Advisory, Heavy Rains

Nova Scotians in eastern and southeastern regions of the province should be prepared for possible heavy rainfall this weekend as two significant weather systems approach.

The Emergency Management Office is asking Nova Scotians to pay attention to forecasts during the next 48 hours and to take sensible precautions.

"People in vulnerable areas should be attentive and prepared for possible localized flooding," said Justice Minister Ross Landry.

Environment Canada says that a land-based, low-pressure system is moving east into the Maritimes today, Sept. 30, and could bring rain over the next two days. On Sunday, this system could combine with heavier rain and strong winds driven by Hurricane Ophelia.

Heavy rain over an extended period could cause flooding in low-lying and flood plain areas. Accompanying winds could be in the 60-90 km/h range, and large swells could affect Nova Scotia's coast late Sunday and into Monday.

Ophelia currently is on track to skirt southeastern Cape Breton, with its centre headed for eastern Newfoundland. Forecasters say its track could move closer to Cape Breton, or completely away from it.

EMO advises people to monitor forecasts closely and visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo for detailed information on how to prepare for flooding and all other severe weather threats.