Residents in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) are preparing for a winter storm as Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the area. The statement alerts nearby regions to the north and east of HRM about the potential accumulation of snow, estimated to be around 20 cm.

According to 95.7 Weather Specialist Allister Aalders, snowfall is set to begin on Wednesday morning and will persist throughout the afternoon before gradually tapering off. A brief lull in the storm is anticipated on Wednesday evening; however, Aalders notes that there is enough energy in the initial weather system to produce additional snowfall overnight into early Thursday.

In terms of snowfall estimates, the first round is projected to deliver between 5-10 cm of snow, followed by a break in precipitation. Aalders adds that another 2-5 cm may accumulate overnight. Overall, HRM is expected to see total snow amounts ranging from 8-15 cm before conditions improve on Thursday.

Aalders emphasizes that while these snowfall totals may not be deemed significant, they could still impact commuting conditions. Residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly during the evening commute on Thursday and possibly into early Friday, as the wintery weather is likely to disrupt normal travel patterns.

The winter weather is also affecting education in the region, with schools in the Tri-County Annapolis Valley and South Shore Regional Centres for Education closing for the day on Wednesday. This closure illustrates the broader impact of the storm not just on transportation, but also on local operations and community activities.

Overall, residents of HRM are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions as the winter storm approaches, ensuring they take the necessary precautions to navigate the challenges presented by the accumulating snow.