Stormy start to the long weekend expected says special weather statement

It's going to be a stormy start to the Easter long weekend.

Environment Canada says to expect strong winds, rain and maybe even some snow Thursday night and into Good Friday.

It has issued a special weather statement for the province.

There isn't yet a regional breakdown of potential conditions, but snow is expected to start Thursday night, changing to rain by morning.

Overall winds are expected to gust to 70 km/h, possibly reaching 90 km/h at the coast.

Rainfall totals could range from 10 to 20 mm, but higher amounts are possible in some areas.

Northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton could see 5 cm of snow, although some parts at higher elevations could get up to 10 cm.

Large waves, pounding surf and elevated water levels are also expected and shore or beach erosion is possible, especially in  Digby and Yarmouth counties and along the South Shore.

Conditions should improve by late Friday.