Halifax Braces for Up to 60 mm of Rain as Slow-Moving Storm Threatens Flooding

Key facts

• Rainfall warning in effect for Halifax and much of the South Shore on Friday.
• Forecast calls for 40 to 60 mm of rain, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Rainfall rates of 5 to 10 mm per hour expected in some areas.
• System is slow-moving, raising risk of localized pooling and flooding in low-lying areas.
• Conditions expected to dry out Saturday with a high of 15°C; more showers Sunday with a low of 6°C.
• Similar warnings issued for parts of New Brunswick, including Acadian Peninsula and coastal areas, with up to 50 mm possible.
• Lower St. John River near flood stage; Gagetown at warning level as of Thursday.
• Residents advised to clear storm drains and gutters to prevent flooding.

Storm System Arrives with Heavy Downpours

A slow-moving storm system is set to drench the Halifax area and much of Nova Scotia's South Shore on Friday, prompting a yellow-level rainfall warning from Environment Canada. The advisory, updated Friday morning, calls for 40 to 60 millimetres of rain, with higher totals possible where thunderstorms develop. “Rainfall rates of 5 to 10 mm per hour are possible over some areas,” the advisory stated, adding that rain will taper off from west to east through the day. The system is expected to bring a wet start to the weekend, with conditions not drying out until Saturday.

Localized Flooding Risk in Low-Lying Areas

CityNews meteorologist Allister Aadlers warned that the slow-moving nature of the storm could lead to localized flooding. “This is a slow-moving system; the downpours that come with it could be slower-moving, which means we could see localized areas of higher rainfall but also some localized pooling or flooding, especially in lower-lying areas,” he said. Environment Canada echoed the concern, advising residents to keep storm drains and gutters clear to allow drainage. The warning covers not only Halifax but also much of the South Shore, where the heaviest rain is expected.

New Brunswick Also Under Rainfall Warnings

The same low-pressure system is affecting New Brunswick, where Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for the Acadian Peninsula, coastal areas of Charlotte County, and Fundy National Park. Up to 50 millimetres of rain is possible Thursday night and Friday, with thunderstorms also possible. A special weather statement for Fredericton, southern York County, Oromocto, and other central areas forecasts 20 to 40 millimetres until Friday afternoon. “An approaching low pressure system is expected to bring a period of intense rainfall,” the statement said, noting uncertainty about where the highest amounts will occur.

St. John River Nears Flood Stage

The heavy rain is raising concerns along the St. John River, where parts of the lower river are nearing flood level. only Gagetown was at warning level as of Thursday, meaning flooding is “certain or imminent.” Residents there are advised to take immediate steps to protect life and property. Low-lying areas could see local flooding as water levels rise in creeks and small rivers. The situation is being closely monitored as the rain continues.

Weekend Outlook: Drying Out Then More Showers

After Friday's deluge, conditions are expected to improve Saturday, with a sunny day and a high of 15°C. However, more showers are forecast for Sunday, with temperatures dropping to 6°C. The brief respite will give residents a chance to assess any flood damage before the next system arrives. The rainfall warning for Halifax remains in effect through Friday, with the rain tapering off from west to east. Environment Canada advises staying updated on local forecasts and warnings.

The bottom line

• Halifax and South Shore under rainfall warning for 40-60 mm, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Slow-moving system increases risk of localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
• New Brunswick coastal and central areas also under warnings, with up to 50 mm expected.
• St. John River near flood stage; Gagetown at warning level.
• Saturday brings a sunny break before more showers Sunday.
• Residents urged to clear drains and gutters to mitigate flooding.