The National Hurricane Center declared the eastern seaboard low-pressure system being tracked this week a subtropical storm, naming it “Josephine” on Wednesday evening. It’s become a bit of a “Franken-storm,” combining both tropical and extratropical elements. The change came about due to observations of how the storm was deriving energy. Satellite imagery on Wednesday evening showed persistent thunderstorm activity, or convection, around the centre of the storm. This means the storm was deriving energy from warm ocean waters instead of just temperature differences in the air. In fact, for a period the storm shed its weather fronts, leaving that warm ocean water as its primary source of energy. Josephine is forecast to become a post-tropical storm system as it continues east through the outermost marine districts of Atlantic Canada. Here is what more we can expect from the storm. Second round of rain targets eastern Nova Scotia Thursday night A Yellow Warning for rainfall continues for Guysborough, Richmond, and Cape Breton counties. Rain may total 50 to 70 mm through Friday evening. Those areas should expect another round of rain and downpours to arrive overnight, with the rain persisting into Friday morning. The wet weather could make for difficult driving with reduced visibility and hydroplaning conditions on the roads. If drainage systems are blocked by fall debris, instances of localized flooding are possible. The rain is expected to be lighter by Friday afternoon, but the cold northerly wind could bring a bit of a twist. A bit of wet snow may mix with the rain before it completely clears later Friday evening. Windy Friday A gusty northerly wind will blow across the entirety of the Maritimes Friday. Here is what to expect for peak gusts in the region: You may wish to secure any easily wind-blown or fragile Halloween decorations. Travellers might have to check regional ferry schedules. Similar wind in the past has caused delays and cancellations in those services. The wind will gradually ease Friday night into Saturday morning. Sunny weekend follows A large area of high-pressure will develop over the region for the weekend. Mostly sunny conditions are expected on both Saturday and Sunday. Chilly during the nights and early in the mornings still. New Brunswick: Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island
