Spring takes dramatic turn as a rare nor'easter hits the Maritimes
Only 2 per cent of nor’easters have occurred in May — this is the first in over 15 years.
A rare May nor'easter is set to hit Atlantic Canada on Friday, bringing a mix of wind, rain and possibly snow—more typical of early spring than late May.
Wind gusts up to 70 km/h are expected along Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast as the storm intensifies, with wind warnings already in place.
Though May nor'easters are uncommon--only about 2 per cent have occurred this month since 1940--this particular one is making a big splash, becoming the first one to happen in May since 2008.
Despite the storm's seasonal anomaly, this form does not pack the same blizzard punch as its winter counterpart.
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Cold air could bring some spring flakes, but rain more widespread
Snow can't be ruled out this time, either. As cold air spills in from the north on Friday night, flakes may fall over northern New Brunswick and the Gaspé Peninsula.
It is not a major snow concern, but it does contribute to the system's unpredictability.
Heavy rain is also forecast across southern regions of the Maritimes Friday morning, with 20 to 30 millimetres expected for much of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
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Powerful winds whip through
Wind will be a major factor, particularly along Cape Breton's Les Suêtes, where gusts could reach 100 km/h by evening.
Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, winds are expected to remain just below warning levels.
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By Friday evening, the worst of the storm should be over—though the chill will linger. Northerly winds will send temperatures to drop, making it feel more like mid-April than late May.
Cities like Bathurst and Moncton are expected to experience their coolest late-May highs in almost a decade.
Even Newfoundland is not immune to the storm's reach. The island is anticipated to take in the system's final punch on Friday night, with 10 to 20 mm of rain projected for Avalon and lighter amounts elsewhere as the storm fades.
This late-season weather change may not set a new record, but it serves as a stark reminder that spring in Canada does not always go as planned.
