Winter storm watch issued in Cape Breton; Weather statements expanded in N.S. and P.E.I.

A major winter storm is expected to hit eastern parts of the Maritimes Sunday into Monday. The storm will pass the Maritimes to the east on Saturday before moving across Newfoundland and doubling back, bringing significant weather impacts to the region.

Winter storm watch

A winter storm watch was issued Friday afternoon for northern Inverness County and Victoria County in Cape Breton.

The storm watch begins Sunday afternoon and extends into Monday night. Snow totals of 50 cm are possible over the Cape Breton Highlands accompanied by a strong northwest wind with gusts reaching 80 to 100 km/h. The weather agency cautions that rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult though some areas.

The system indicates that some of the lower elevations in Victoria and Inverness counties could pick up 10 to 25 cm of snow Sunday through Monday.

Special weather statements expanded

Special weather statements have been extended to Kings and Queens Counties in Prince Edward Island and Pictou and Antigonish Counties in Nova Scotia.

Southern Inverness County, Richmond County, and Cape Breton County remain under a special weather statement.

The alert says that northwest gusts between 80 to 100 km/h are expected to develop Sunday into Monday.

The high wind is expected to be accompanied by snowfall at times. The statement calls for 5 to 15 cm of snow Sunday into Monday with periods of reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

Travel disruptions

Strong wind will impact ferry services in the region. The ferry route between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland could experience delays or cancellations starting Saturday night and running into Monday. You can find the latest at Marine Atlantic.