Heavy rain, thundershowers expected in N.S. and N.B.

A pedestrian walks through the rain and wind during a rainfall warning in Halifax on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Environment Canada has issued yellow rainfall warnings and special weather statements for parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with heavy rain and thundershowers expected Wednesday and Thursday.

There are no warnings or statements in effect on Prince Edward Island.

Nova Scotia

Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland is encouraging residents to take the forecast seriously and begin preparing for the possibility of localized flooding and road disruptions.

“Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, cause rivers and streams to rise, and create dangerous conditions on roads,” reads the minister’s statement.

She advises residents to monitor forecasts and alerts, avoid unnecessary travel and ensure emergency kits are stocked.

There are yellow rainfall warnings extending from Digby County, along southwestern Nova Scotia, and up the Atlantic coast to Halifax.

Environment Canada said the rain will start early Wednesday and continue into Thursday afternoon.

“The heaviest rain is expected to fall on Wednesday morning before tapering to steady drizzle or showers in the afternoon. Another round of heavy rain is possible on Thursday morning,” said the agency.

“Rainfall rates of 20 to 40 mm per hour may occur over some locations. Thundershowers are expected to develop over some areas, producing locally heavier rainfall, leading to highly variable rainfall totals over short distances.”

Up to 60 mm of rain is expected in some areas.

Special weather statements are in effect for the rest of the province, including most of mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.

A prolonged period of rainfall is expected to begin on Wednesday morning, lingering late into the day Thursday.

“Another round of heavy rain is possible on Thursday morning. Rainfall rates of 20 to 40 mm per hour may occur over some locations,” said Environment Canada. “Thundershowers are expected to develop over some areas, producing locally heavier rainfall, leading to highly variable rainfall totals over short distances.”

Total rainfall of up to 50 mm is expected.

Wind warning in Inverness County

There is a yellow Les Suêtes Wind warning in effect for Inverness County – Mabou and north, where damaging winds are expected Wednesday.

Environment Canada says southerly wind gusts could reach up to 90 km/h from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence.

“Driving conditions will likely be difficult. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind,” said the agency.

Residents are urged to secure loose objects.

New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, the rainfall warnings are in effect for Fundy National Park, Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick, as well as Saint John and County.

Environment Canada said up to 60 mm of heavy rain is expected along the Fundy coast, starting early Wednesday morning before tapering to steady drizzle or showers in the afternoon.

“Rainfall rates of 20 to 40 mm per hour may occur over some locations,” said the agency. “Thundershowers are expected to develop over some areas, producing locally heavier rainfall, leading to highly variable rainfall totals over short distances.”

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