Thousands in N.S. without power as temperatures set to drop

CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin says between 20 to 50 millimetres of rain is forecasted and wind gusts between 90 to 100 km/h are likely. She said temperatures are expected to fall below zero by the afternoon on the mainland and later Thursday on Cape Breton

Thousands of households are without power on Thursday as strong winds and heavy rain sweep across Nova Scotia.

Environment Canada has issued rainfall and wind warnings for most of the province.

CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin said 20 to 50 millimetres of rain is forecasted along with wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h. She said temperatures are expected to fall below zero by the afternoon on the mainland and later Thursday on Cape Breton.

Nearly 14,000 Nova Scotia Power customers were without power as of 10:20 a.m., the utility said, with the main cause listed as high winds.

Classes have been cancelled for all schools in the South Shore, Tri-County, Annapolis Valley and Chignecto Central regional centres for education.

Halifax Regional Centre for Education has closed some schools due to power outages, as has Strait Regional Centre for Education. Buses will be travelling on paved roads only in Strait Regional and all schools that are open there will dismiss at noon.

Simpkin said cold air and northwesterly winds Thursday night will contribute to snow flurries, with accumulation of up to 2 centimetres expected in most areas but 5 centimetres possible over higher terrain.