Downpours expected Saturday as rainfall warning is issued for Halifax area

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

A wet start to the weekend is in store for the Halifax area and most of the province.

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Halifax through western Nova Scotia, calling for 40 to 60 mm of rain and up to 100 mm in localized downpours.

The rain is expected to start overnight Friday and continue through Saturday morning.

“An area of low pressure containing tropical moisture will bring significant rainfall to the province,” read Environment Canada’s warning. “The majority of the rain is expected to fall over a 12 hour period with rainfall rates near 25 mm per hour possible over some locations.”

Similar storms in the past have caused road shoulder erosion and washouts, flooding of basements – especially in poor drainage areas – and some power outages.

The national forecaster also said gusty winds will accompany the rain on Saturday and could be strong enough to break some tree branches.