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Nova Scotia Authorities Warn Residents to Avoid Flooded Roads as Heavy Rain Continues
Environment Canada says rainfall could reach 200 millimetres as officials warn of localized flooding, road washouts and power outages across the island.
On Saturday, Cape Breton Island experienced severe flooding and heavy downpours, with some areas recording up to 200 millimetres of rain. Cape Breton Regional Municipality reported multiple road closures as the slow-moving storm impacted the region.
Environment Canada issued an orange alert for the island, warning that torrential rainfall rates of up to 20 millimetres an hour could cause localized flooding and hazardous travel conditions.
Nearly 40,000 customers lost power on Saturday afternoon, Nova Scotia Power reported, as high winds and rain caused widespread outages. The province's road conditions map showed at least 13 closures across Cape Breton.
Officials at Nova Scotia Emergency Management urged residents to avoid flooded roads, stating, "Driving in flood water is not worth the risk." Northumberland Ferries Ltd. canceled service between Wood Islands and Caribou on Saturday.
Forecasts indicate conditions will ease on Sunday, though lighter showers may continue with winds gusting 50-60 km/h. Forecasters expect total rainfall accumulations between 70 and 150 millimetres by end of Sunday, with improvement by Monday.