Gusty winds could create blizzard-like conditions in parts of Nova Scotia

As a long-duration snowstorm continues in Nova Scotia, gusty winds on Sunday are expected to bring blizzard-like conditions to parts of the province.

Cancellations are already starting, with most flights cancelled at the Halifax airport and all flights cancelled at the Sydney airport.

Transit service in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is cancelled for the day, while Halifax Transit routes will resume operating at noon AT.

The bad weather is because of a type of weather system known as a cut-off low. It will sit and spin to the east of the province throughout the weekend and into early next week. These types of systems are notoriously tough to forecast, so some uncertainty remains.

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With that said, folks across much of Nova Scotia should continue to prepare for winter driving conditions with periods of snow that continue right into Monday.

As the winds crank up, blowing and drifting snow will become a greater factor on Sunday, with blizzard-like conditions at times developing across Cape Breton and the eastern half of the mainland. Environment Canada has issued widespread winter storm warnings and blowing snow advisories, as well as snowfall warnings and special weather statements.

Much more snow on the way for Nova Scotia

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon provides the latest forecast for this weekend’s storm in Nova Scotia. Gusty winds on Sunday are expected to bring blizzard-like conditions to parts of the province.

Folks travelling should prepare for more widespread blowing and drifting snow as the winds pick up and blowing snow becomes a greater factor.

While most of Nova Scotia will see more snow Sunday right into Monday morning, once again, the highest amounts are looking most likely to fall across eastern areas, with Cape Breton and the Northumberland Shore expected to fall in the crosshairs.

No matter the totals that fall in your region, the northeast winds on Sunday gusting in the 60 to 80 km/h range will lower the visibility at times, especially over open and exposed areas.

By Monday afternoon, it’s looking likely that amounts will exceed 50 centimetres and reach up to 80 centimetres or more for many areas of the east and northeast.

In the Sydney region, totals exceeding 80 centimetres are likely, with the potential for totals near 150 centimetres in some areas by Monday afternoon.

Stay safe and stay tuned for updates this weekend on cbc.ca/ns, the CBC News app, local radio and TV.

In a news release from Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works and Emergency Management Office on Friday, the province said people should keep an eye on the forecast and consider road conditions before heading out. They said to stay off the roads entirely if possible.

“If people must travel, they should consult 511 Nova Scotia for information on road conditions,” it said. “Motorists planning to travel through the Cobequid Pass or across the Canso Causeway, in particular, are advised to stay abreast of weather forecasts and road conditions.”

The province said crews will be out all weekend to keep the roads as clear as possible.

During winter storms, the province wants people to do the following:

• Monitor local weather forecasts.
• Avoid unnecessary travel and check 511 regularly.
• Have an emergency kit ready.
• Stay inside or seek shelter.
• Get out of the wind to avoid wind chill.
• Bring pets inside and ensure livestock have shelter and drinking water.
• Wear several warm layers.
• Use battery-powered lights or glow sticks and avoid candles.
• Never use barbecues, camping stoves or fuel-powered heaters indoors.
• Keep portable generators outside and away from windows.

The province said anyone in need for emergency supports like overnight shelter beds can call 211 to connect with services in their community.