A slow-moving low-pressure system continues to bring rain and downpours into the Maritimes. The heaviest rain is slowly shifting eastward in the region, bringing a risk that the accumulating rain could lead to instances of flooding over the long weekend. Preliminary rain reports Since this is a long duration weather event and parts of the Maritimes are only just now starting to get into their heaviest rain, the reports I have should be considered very preliminary. Downpours in central areas of Nova Scotia have resulted in some rain amounts of over 50 mm. While the downpours made for some difficult road travel, there haven’t been many reports of localized flooding. Initial rain reports in New Brunswick are mostly 10-to-30 mm. Initial rain reports in Prince Edward Island are mostly 10-to-35 mm. Heavy rain moving east and stalling The band of steadiest rain and highest risk of downpours continue to move slowly into place across eastern Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Friday. The band is likely to stall over that part of the Maritimes Friday evening through Saturday morning. The repeated rain and downpours could allow for totals later in the weekend ranging between 70 and 150 mm. Should the ground become saturated and drainage systems be unable to keep up, that amount of rain could lead to instances of flooding. Road travel could be particularly difficult in Cape Breton and P.E.I. Friday night through Saturday morning. That is the period when some of the heaviest rain is expected. Rainfall warnings continue to remain in effect for the eastern half of Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Moving through the long weekend The risk of heavy rain is highest in P.E.I. and eastern Nova Scotia on Saturday, with bands of light-to-moderate rain wrapping back off the Atlantic into the remainder of the Maritimes. Western parts of New Brunswick and the southwest of Nova Scotia are only likely to have some light rain or showers. There will be further periods of rain for P.E.I. and eastern Nova Scotia Sunday. While the rate of rain will be much lower than Friday and Saturday, the ground may be saturated in areas leading to an increased risk of water runoff. Overall though, unless there are some roads impacted by flooding, travel should be easier on this day. Monday sees even more improvement in the region. A mostly sunny day is expected for New Brunswick with a mix of sun and cloud for western Nova Scotia. A chance of showers remains for P.E.I. and eastern Nova Scotia. There are no travel concerns for that day.
