Weather warnings issued as heavy rain moves across the region

CITYnews halifax / By Shelli Summers

Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax County West.

Denise Andreacchi, 95.7 NewsRadio Weather Specialist, said Halifax, Guysborough and most of Cape Breton could see up to 80 millimetres of rain.

“These are flooding rains that we’re expecting. Locally intense downpours with thunderstorms embedded in this system,” said Andreacchi. “Rainfall rates of between five and 10 millimetres per hour are expected in some locations.”

She said pooling water on roads and in low-lying areas, as well as poor visibility, can be expected for much of the day on Monday. Temperatures will be warmer than seasonal before the rain tapers off on Tuesday.

Halifax’s water utility is warning of the potential for localized flooding given the heavy rain expected.

“To help avoid this, Halifax Water is encouraging residents to check their storm drains/catch basins to ensure they are clear,” read a statement from Halifax Water. “If you see they are blocked, we ask that customers clear them if they are able, and it is safe to do so.”

The utility is also asking for people with driveway culverts to ensure the flow of water is clear.