Storm plows through Nova Scotia with much more snow on the way

As a long-duration snowstorm works its way through Nova Scotia, the province and RCMP are urging people to stay off the roads, unless their travel is essential.

In a tweet, RCMP say the section of Highway 102 between exits 8A (Elmsdale) and 10 (Shubenacadie) is impassable because of heavy snowfall. They are asking people to use Highway 2 instead.

A type of weather system known as a cut-off low will sit and spin to the east of the province throughout the weekend and into early next week. These types of systems are notoriously tough to forecast, so some uncertainty remains. 

With that said, folks across much of Nova Scotia should continue to prepare for winter driving conditions with periods of snow that continue right into Monday.

Given the long duration of this event, we'll break this up into two rounds.

The first round began Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday, with a lull in the action on Saturday evening, before the second round ramps up.

Round 2 will bring more snow to a good portion of Nova Scotia right into Monday. Once again, the highest amounts are looking most likely to fall across eastern areas, with Cape Breton and the Northumberland Shore expected to fall in the crosshairs.

No matter the totals that fall in your region, the northeast winds on Sunday will increase with more widespread gusts in the 60-80 km/h range. Stronger gusts are possible over exposed coastal areas.

Folks travelling should prepare for more widespread blowing and drifting snow as the winds pick up and blowing snow becomes a greater factor. Blizzard-like conditions are looking set to develop at times across Cape Breton and the eastern half of the mainland.

By Monday afternoon, it's looking likely that amounts will exceed 50 centimetres and reach up to 80 centimetres or more for areas of the east and northeast.

There's the potential for totals near or exceeding 100 centimetres for eastern Cape Breton, including in the Sydney region. 

Stay safe and stay tuned for updates this weekend on cbc.ca/ns, the CBC News app, local radio and TV.

In a news release from Nova Scotia's Department of Public Works and Emergency Management Office on Friday, the province said people should keep an eye on the forecast and consider road conditions before heading out. They said to stay off the roads entirely if possible.

"If people must travel, they should consult 511 Nova Scotia for information on road conditions," it said. "Motorists planning to travel through the Cobequid Pass or across the Canso Causeway, in particular, are advised to stay abreast of weather forecasts and road conditions."