Snowstorm bound for N.S. could bring outages, treacherous roads

5 to 15 cm of wet, heavy snow looks set to fall on Thursday and Friday

Ryan Snoddon · CBC News 

Just when we thought we were in the clear to change over the winter tires, an incoming system is looking set to drop wet, heavy snow across Nova Scotia.

In fact, the storm will bring widespread snowfall to millions of people from Ontario through Quebec and across the northeast United States, before landing here in the Maritimes on Thursday.

While snowfall amounts are more challenging to forecast at this time of year, totals of 5 centimetres to 15 centimetres are looking most likely at this point.

That said, snowfall amounts will vary depending on elevation and proximity to the coastline. Inland and higher-terrain areas are most likely to see the heaviest snow, with possible amounts exceeding 15 centimetres locally.

Variable snowfall amounts in the range of 5 to 15 centimetres are looking most likely for Nova Scotia on Thursday and into Friday. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Either way, slick and slushy travel conditions are looking likely all across the province.

With temperatures expected to be near and above freezing throughout the event, the snow will be very wet and heavy. The wet snow, along with gusty easterly winds will increase the potential for power outages.

The snow is set to arrive in western Nova Scotia on Thursday morning and then spread into eastern areas, including Cape Breton, throughout Thursday afternoon and evening.

Snow will track into the province from west to east throughout the day on Thursday. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Snow will mix with rain for western areas on Thursday night, while eastern areas will see the snow continue into Friday morning, before mixing with rain there as well.

Lingering clouds, flurries and showers are expected to continue on Friday and into Saturday with some additional wet snowfall possible in Cape Breton and northeastern Nova Scotia.

The good news is that long-range guidance is signalling the potential for the system to move out, with skies clearing in time for the solar eclipse early next week.