Wind and snowfall warning in effect for metro Halifax area (update)

UPDATE: A wind warning has now been added to the snowfall warning in the Halifax area.

Environment Canada says gusts could reach 90 km/h along the coast Friday evening.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break,” the warning sadid.

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A snowfall warning is now in effect for the metro Halifax area along with the South Shore as we prepare for a winter storm.

Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Hubbard said the light snow we're seeing in HRM as of 10 a.m. Friday will soon start to pick up and continue throughout the day.

But varying snowfall amounts are still expected throughout the municipality.

“It looks like many areas will see some rain with this, whether it's mixed with snow or straight to rain if you're closer to the coast,” Hubbard said. “So that's going to … mean a little less snow for those areas, but it is going to change back to snow as the storm starts to pull away and the cold air comes back in.”

“Looking at total amounts across HRM, we're expecting about 10 cm of snow today, and probably tonight another 5 to 10 cm,” he added. “And in terms of rainfall amounts, those areas along the coast could see up to 15 mm of rain with this.”

Winds are also expected to pick up this afternoon, with gusts reaching 60 km/h and up to 80 km/h along the coast, so blowing snow could be an issue.

Conditions are expected to be worse in other parts of the province and Environment Canada recommends postponing non-essential travel until they improve.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the central and northern mainland, along with parts of Cape Breton.

“Parts of the Valley and northern Nova Scotia … are in a better spot to receive the highest snowfall amounts, while parts of eastern Nova Scotia and into Cape Breton, it's looking a little more definitive that the rain will push inland there for some areas, reducing their amounts,” Hubbard explained.

“That Eastern Shore area is still under a special weather statement, so no actual snowfall warnings for them at this point.”

The bulk of the snow will have fallen by the time most of us wake up Saturday morning, but there may still be some lingering flurries, and it will still be windy.

“As the morning goes on, we'll see some sunny breaks across HRM and some improving conditions, but it will be chilly with a little bit of windchill while people are cleaning up after this,” Hubbard said.

Nova Scotia Power says to prepare for possible outages.

It has activated its Emergency Operations Centre Friday morning.

Local police are asking drivers to prepare for challenging road conditions

And there are already some closures and cancellations.