Widespread Heavy Rain Hits Atlantic Canada, Threat For 100 mm This Weekend

Weather Today – The Atlantic coast is bracing for a soaking as a Texas low-pressure system brings widespread rain throughout the weekend [1].

Rain Intensifies Friday Afternoon:

Rain, which began Friday morning, will intensify in the afternoon and evening. Areas like St. John and the Bay of Fundy are expected to see the heaviest downpours. Rainfall will pick up again overnight, particularly in Halifax.

Heavy Rain for Cape Breton and Newfoundland:

Persistent rain is expected throughout the weekend, with the heaviest downpours impacting Cape Breton and the southwestern coast of Newfoundland, including Burgeo Shores, from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. The Avalon, Burin, and Bonavista peninsulas will see rain by Sunday afternoon.

Rainfall Amounts Expected:

Rainfall totals could be significant, with Burgeo Shores and southwestern Newfoundland potentially receiving up to 100 millimeters. Other areas can expect:

• South of New Glasgow and east of Halifax: 50 to 75 millimeters
• Halifax and Sydney: 40 to 60 millimeters and 30 to 50 millimeters, respectively
• St. John and St. John’s: 10 to 20 millimeters

Strong Winds and Potential Flooding:

The system will also bring strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour in some areas. Yarmouth could see winds strong enough to cause water surges in the Bay of Fundy. Halifax and Cape Breton (particularly Sydney) can expect gusts of up to 77 km/h and 85 km/h, respectively. Wind speeds will diminish as the system moves eastward.

With rising river levels, there is a risk of localized flooding. Drivers are urged to exercise caution over the next few days.