Wind and heavy rain across the Maritimes

An approaching low-pressure system will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Maritimes through tonight and continue into Friday and, in some areas, into the weekend.

A wind warning is in effect for parts of northern Nova Scotia, from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence. Southeasterly wind gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected from Friday morning through Friday evening, with the potential to cause damage.

Heavy rain is also expected across several regions of Nova Scotia, including Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg and Halifax counties. Rainfall totals of 30 to 50 millimetres are forecast, with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. The rain is expected to intensify overnight and continue into Friday.

In New Brunswick, similar conditions are anticipated. Coastal Charlotte County, the Saint John region and Fundy National Park could see rainfall totals near 50 millimetres, with higher amounts possible in heavier downpours. The rain is expected to begin this evening and taper off Friday morning.

Southwestern and parts of central New Brunswick are also forecast to receive between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain, with the heaviest showers potentially exceeding those amounts. The system is expected to arrive this evening and persist into Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, in eastern Quebec, including the North Shore, Anticosti Island and the Chaleur Bay region, 20 to 40 millimetres of rainfall is expected overnight into Saturday. Combined with melting snow, this could increase the risk of localized flooding.