A persistent weather system is causing heavy rainfall in northeastern Nova Scotia, particularly impacting Cape Breton on Saturday evening. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued orange and yellow alert warnings for these areas due to heavy downpours and thunderstorms, resulting in rainfall rates of 10 to 20+ millimetres per hour. This ongoing precipitation poses a risk of localized flooding and unsafe travel conditions.
Numerous Nova Scotia Power customers are experiencing power outages, with the number of affected customers peaking at 40,000 in the afternoon before decreasing to 7,000 in the evening. In Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria counties, a state of local emergency remains in effect following severe flooding and significant damage. Multiple roads are closed, and the conditions are hazardous.
Cape Breton has been hit hard by the weather system, receiving torrential rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimetres on Saturday. Some areas in Richmond County have recorded over 200 millimetres of rainfall, leading to washouts and localized flooding. Eskasoni saw rainfall rates of 20 to 30 millimetres per hour during the storm’s peak, surpassing the 200-millimetre mark.
Rain is expected to persist, especially overnight, with Victoria and Cape Breton counties likely to receive an additional 20 to 30 millimetres of rain, along with higher localized amounts. Lingering showers on Sunday will bring another 2 to 5 mm of rain for most areas, with Victoria and Cape Breton possibly experiencing an additional 5 to 10 mm throughout the day.
In northeastern regions such as Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou, northern Colchester, and Cumberland counties, heavy rainfall has been observed, with totals ranging from 40 to 70 millimetres and localized amounts nearing 100 millimetres. The rain is expected to continue into Sunday, with total storm accumulation reaching 70 to 150 millimetres by Sunday evening.
Central regions will also experience ongoing rain on Saturday night, transitioning to lingering showers on Sunday. Additional rainfall of 5 to 10 millimetres is anticipated for most central areas by Sunday evening, with higher amounts likely for northern Colchester and Cumberland counties. Temperatures will remain cool, with highs in the mid-teens through Sunday, accompanied by northerly winds gusting at 50 to 60 km/h.
Looking ahead to Monday, central regions can expect a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers and slightly warmer temperatures. In western areas like the western Annapolis Valley, South Shore, and Tri-County, lingering showers are expected through Sunday. Sunny intervals are likely for Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, and Queens counties, with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper teens and winds gusting at 40 to 50 km/h. Monday will bring lighter winds, sunny skies, and temperatures rising into the upper teens and low 20s.