Nor’easter Delivers Heavy Rain to Halifax, Snowfall Warnings Issued

A late fall nor’easter struck the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) on the night of November 7, 2023, bringing significant rainfall and prompting weather warnings across the region. As conditions evolved, residents faced the prospect of an additional 30 to 40 millimetres of rain throughout Wednesday, with precipitation expected to taper off by the afternoon.

Reports from the 95.7 NewsRadio weather specialist, Allistar Aalders, indicated that while Halifax primarily experienced rain, the weather created challenging conditions with wet roads and increasing winds from the north to northwest. “That rain mixing with wet snow, especially the further inland that you are, but precipitation tapers off by late morning or early afternoon,” Aalders noted.

Heavy rain warnings were not the only concern; areas along the coast from Herring Cove to Cape Sable Island were under a coastal flooding warning. The combination of high tides and large waves was expected to result in significant surf, raising the risk of minor shoreline and beach erosion.

Snowfall Warnings in Effect for Western Nova Scotia

In addition to the rainfall, regions farther inland faced snowfall warnings, with forecasts predicting up to 10 centimetres of snow in counties such as Digby, Annapolis, Kings, Hants, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, and Cumberland. Environment Canada cautioned that this snow would be wet and heavy, potentially disrupting travel, especially during the morning rush hour.

Northern Cape Breton was particularly hard-hit, receiving an orange-level alert from Environment Canada, indicating a severe weather warning. This region could see snow accumulations ranging from 30 to 50 centimetres, heightening concerns for residents and travelers alike.

As the storm progressed, local authorities and residents prepared for the adverse conditions, highlighting the importance of staying informed and cautious during such weather events.