Special Weather Statement: Heavy rains and high winds expected Thursday

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Nova Scotia for later this week. High winds and heavy rainfall are expected to begin on Thursday.

Total rainfall amounts between 25 to 50 mm are expected with possible higher amounts along the Atlantic coast. Peak wind gusts around 70 km/h, except 90 km/h along parts of the coast.

"Rain at times heavy and strong southerly winds are expected to begin over southwestern Nova Scotia early Thursday morning then spread eastward through the day. Precipitation may begin as snow over parts of Nova Scotia before changing to rain later in the morning. Rain and winds will ease over southwestern areas of the province Thursday afternoon and over eastern areas Thursday evening."

South-facing coastlines of the Atlantic coast could see higher than normal water levels and large waves.

Yarmouth and Shelburne counties are most at risk during high tide at 2:00 p.m Thursday afternoon.

Environment Canada states that, "Minor coastal flooding, damage to vulnerable coastal infrastructure and beach erosion are possible."

To keep up to date on alerts and forecasts visit: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=ns

To report severe weather, send an email to NSstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.