Rare May Nor'easter Pummels Maritimes with Rain, Gusts and Snow

Key facts

• Environment Canada issued warnings for all of mainland Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and southern New Brunswick.
• Rainfall of 25–40 mm expected across the Maritimes, with 30–50 mm in Halifax and Yarmouth.
• Wind gusts up to 100 km/h possible in western Cape Breton; 70–90 km/h forecast for Cape Breton before dawn Monday.
• Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Halifax closed after wind blew unassembled scaffolding onto the roadway; no injuries reported.
• More than 6,000 Nova Scotia Power customers lost electricity in western Nova Scotia Sunday afternoon.
• Northumberland Ferries warned of possible cancellations Monday morning; Marine Atlantic cancelled several crossings Sunday and Monday.
• Confederation Bridge issued a wind advisory with traffic restrictions from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
• About 5 cm of wet snow may fall along the Cobequid Pass; higher terrains in P.E.I., N.B. and northern N.S. could see snow.

Storm Arrives with Force, Closing Halifax Bridge and Cutting Power

A rare May nor'easter slammed into Atlantic Canada on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds and localized flooding that forced the closure of a major Halifax bridge and knocked out electricity for thousands. The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge shut temporarily after high winds sent unassembled scaffolding pieces onto the roadway; no injuries occurred, said Steven Proctor, communications manager of Halifax Harbour Bridges. Crews cleared debris and inspected the area before the bridge could reopen. The storm, drawing strength from a deep trough over Eastern Canada and a weak frontal boundary off the U.S. East Coast, is expected to persist into Monday. Environment Canada has issued warnings for all of mainland Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick, cautioning residents to clear drains and secure outdoor items.

Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds and Snow Forecast Across the Region

Between 25 and 40 millimetres of rain is expected across the Maritimes from Sunday afternoon through early Monday morning, with Halifax and Yarmouth forecast to receive 30–50 mm. Cape Breton could see winds of 70–90 km/h before dawn Monday, with gusts up to 100 km/h possible in western Cape Breton. Temperatures will hover only a few degrees above freezing Sunday night, keeping some areas on the rain-snow line. Wet snow is more likely across eastern Nova Scotia, including the Cobequid Pass, where about 5 cm may accumulate. Higher terrains in western Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and northern Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, could also see snow, though no significant accumulation is forecast. Large waves along coastal areas will increase danger for beachgoers and ocean-admirers as the storm moves through.

Ferry Services Suspended, Confederation Bridge Under Advisory

Northumberland Ferries warned passengers that the ferry service between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia may be cancelled Monday morning due to wind. Marine Atlantic has already cancelled several crossings for Sunday and Monday between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The Confederation Bridge issued a wind advisory, indicating traffic restrictions between 3 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday. The storm’s winds began picking up in Nova Scotia Sunday evening and are expected to continue moving north across the East Coast overnight into Monday. Localized flooding from heavy rains is possible late Sunday and into Monday, along with power outages from gusty winds. More than 6,000 Nova Scotia Power customers in western Nova Scotia lost electricity Sunday afternoon.

Unseasonal System Draws Strength from Below-Normal Temperatures

The nor'easter stands out because late-spring storms of this intensity are rarer than winter ones, when the temperature differences needed to build them are more common. Below-seasonal temperatures in Eastern Canada created conditions that felt more like early April than early May, setting the stage for this multi-hazard system. The storm is expected to cross the Maritimes and into Newfoundland, with the highest impacts first in Nova Scotia and then across the region through Monday. Environment Canada’s warnings cover a broad area, reflecting the system’s reach. The agency has urged residents to prepare for power outages, flooding and hazardous travel. The combination of rain, wind and snow makes this a particularly complex event for a time of year when such systems are unusual.

What Comes Next: Lingering Winds, Flooding Risk and Gradual Clearing

The nor'easter is forecast to continue moving north overnight Monday, with winds gradually easing through the day. However, the risk of localized flooding remains high, especially in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. Power outages may persist as crews work to restore service to affected customers. Authorities are monitoring conditions closely. The Confederation Bridge’s wind advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. Monday, and ferry passengers are advised to check for cancellations before traveling. The storm’s passage marks an unusually violent start to May in a region more accustomed to such weather in the depths of winter.

The bottom line

• A rare May nor'easter brought heavy rain, damaging winds and snow to the Maritimes, forcing bridge closures, ferry cancellations and power outages.
• Halifax’s Angus L. Macdonald Bridge closed after scaffolding debris blew onto the roadway; no injuries were reported.
• Over 6,000 Nova Scotia Power customers lost electricity in western Nova Scotia Sunday afternoon.
• Wind gusts up to 100 km/h are possible in western Cape Breton, with 70–90 km/h forecast for the region before dawn Monday.
• Marine Atlantic cancelled multiple crossings between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; Northumberland Ferries warned of possible Monday cancellations.
• The Confederation Bridge imposed traffic restrictions from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday due to high winds.