Wet and windy Saturday in store for Nova Scotia

Some ferry crossings cancelled due to potential for strong winds

Ryan Snoddon · CBC News · 

Following a quiet and sunny start to September, some wet and windy weather is tracking into the region Saturday. 

A low pressure system moving in from the south is bringing periods of heavy rainfall and some gusty winds, particularly for eastern areas.

The storm is a bit of a hybrid system. It has some tropical characteristics, but also the traits of a regular fall storm.

While there are discrepancies in the models, the storm looks like it will bring widespread rainfall amounts in the range of 30-50 millimetres for Nova Scotia, with 50-100 millimetres possible in downpours and thunderstorms.

Most of the province can expect rainfall in the 30-50 millimetre range, but local amounts may be higher. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Those downpours and thunderstorms will bring the risk of localized flash flooding. The greatest risk of the heavier pockets appears to be along the Atlantic coastline.

Winds will be a factor

Winds will ramp up throughout Saturday morning with widespread gusts in the 50-60 km/h looking likely. Gusts near 70 km/h are possible for the Atlantic coastline.

Northumberland Ferries has cancelled its Saturday sailings between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S. The ferry operator has also cancelled all Saturday sailings of The Cat between Yarmouth, N.S., and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Marine Atlantic departures from North Sydney, N.S., and Port aux Basques, N.L., are cancelled on Saturday. A 5 p.m. crossing from Argentia, N.L., to Nova Scotia has also been delayed.

Winds will ramp up through Saturday morning. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

The eastern mainland and Cape Breton will see the potential for stronger wind gusts which may approach 70 and 80 km/h. Some gusts near 90 km/h look possible for exposed coastal areas of the eastern shore and Cape Breton.

The strongest winds are expected late Saturday in eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Widespread power outages aren’t likely. But given that the trees are in full leaf, some downed branches and localized outages can’t be ruled out on Saturday and Saturday night.

The system will move quickly to the north. Quieter weather is on tap for Sunday.