Where you live in the Halifax area will likely determine how much you have to shovel Friday

A changeover to rain is likely for those who live near the coast, but how soon that will happen is still unknown

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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What’s expected to be the first major winter storm of 2022 is on the way, but how much snow you’ll see will probably depend on how close you live to the coast.

That’s because a changeover to rain is likely for those who live near the water, but how soon that will happen is still unknown as of Thursday morning.

“The models are still all over the place, but I think what you’re going to end up seeing is quite possibly a significant difference in snowfall amounts right at the coast as opposed to further inland, so there’s going to be a wide variation of snowfall amounts across the city based on the track of this thing,” explained Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud.

A special weather statement has been issued for the Halifax area.

Robichaud expects the snow to start falling late Friday morning with the worst conditions kicking in around or after supper.

“Obviously for areas that change over to rain, it won’t be quite as bad there, but by rush hour tomorrow over northern parts of the city, we’re looking at about 10 cm down by then,” he said.

A winter storm watch is in effect for the central and northern mainland, along with parts of Cape Breton, calling for 20 to 30 cm to fall, but Robichaud said some areas north of the city, like near the airport, could see snowfall amounts in that ball park, “but quite a bit less than that right at the coast.”

However, he cautions, if the track shifts a bit south, those near the water will need to do more shovelling.

“And as we head into the evening hours, that snow will continue and that’s when those winds are going to really start to amp up,”  he said.

That’s when blowing snow could be an issue.

Here in the Halifax area, gusts are expected to clock in at 60 to 70 km/h, but they’ll be stronger further east.

Conditions should start improving after midnight, but Robichaud said it will be gradual.