Nova Scotia

Wet and windy Saturday in store for Nova Scotia

Following a quiet and sunny start to September, some wet and windy weather will track into the region just in time for the weekend.

A low pressure system moving in from the south will bring 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.

Should the storm develop more tropical characteristics through the rest of Friday, it could be given the name sub-tropical storm Francine. However, the National Hurricane Centre is only giving that a 20 per cent chance at this point.

The National Hurricane Centre has given an incoming Saturday storm a 20 per cent chance of becoming a sub-tropical storm. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)

Named or not named, the impacts will largely look the same for the province.

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 to 50 mm range, with heavier amounts locally.
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. 

Winds will ramp up through Saturday morning.
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.
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.

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