Cape Breton and other parts of northeastern Nova Scotia are experiencing severe weather as a slow-moving system continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities have issued rainfall warnings because the intense downpours are increasing the risk of flooding, road damage and dangerous travel conditions.
Cape Breton has received between 100 and 200 millimetres of rain, while some areas of Richmond County have recorded more than 200 millimetres. Eskasoni also experienced extremely heavy rainfall, with rates reaching 20 to 30 millimetres per hour. The excessive rain has caused road washouts, flooding and significant damage in several communities.
More than 40,000 Nova Scotia Power customers were without electricity at one point, with Cape Breton accounting for a large share of the outages. Strong winds, reaching 60 to 80 km/h, have contributed to the power disruptions.
Local authorities in Inverness, Richmond and Victoria counties declared a state of local emergency because of extensive flooding and widespread damage. Several roads have been closed, while emergency crews continue to deal with hazardous conditions.
Rain is expected to continue through Saturday night, with additional heavy showers and thunderstorms possible. Some areas could receive another 50 millimetres of rain, particularly Victoria County and coastal parts of Cape Breton. Conditions are expected to improve somewhat on Sunday, although showers and strong winds will remain.
Other northeastern areas, including Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou, northern Colchester and Cumberland, have also received substantial rainfall. These regions could see totals of 70 to 150 millimetres by Sunday.
Central Nova Scotia is expected to receive less rainfall, although showers will continue through the weekend. Temperatures will remain relatively cool, with strong northerly winds making conditions unpleasant.
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