High winds, heavy rain expected across N.S.

Meteorologists are warning Nova Scotiansto brace for a blustery Saturday night.

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings across the province, with gusts up to 110 km/h expected in eastern parts of the province. In those areas, the national weather service says there is a significant risk of damage to buildings, including shingles and windows.

In addition, aLes Sutes wind warning has been issued for Inverness County -Mabou and north, with windsgusting to 140 km/h expected to continue this evening until winds become southerly.

Rainfall warnings have also been issued for the entire province with totals rangingfrom 25 to 40 millimetresin most areas.Communities along the Atlantic coast could see as much as 60 millimetresof rain though.

Environment Canada said thiscould cause localized flooding in low-lying areas because the frozen ground can't absorb the rainfall as well.

The rain started Saturday morningand the highest winds will develop in the evening.

Temperatures will drop on Sunday and rain will change to snow in the north, tapering off during the day, according to Environment Canada.

Halifax Regional Municipality is warning residents to be prepared for power outages.

On Saturday night, Nova Scotia Power reportedthat around 1,300 customers,mainly in the HRM and Cape Breton,were without power. As of about 7 a.m. Sunday morning outages were still affecting about 7,500 customers in Cape Breton.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is telling people to check their flight statusbefore heading to the airport as heavy rain and strong winds may affect flight schedules.

Marine Atlantic said all ferry crossings in both directions between North Sydney, N.S., andPort aux Basques, N.L., are cancelled today and tomorrow.

It said the poor weather could possibly affect sailings on March 14.

Bay Ferries said theFundy Rose crossingdepartingDigby, N.S., toSaint John at 4 p.m. AT todaywascancelled. The crossing departing Saint John Sunday at 9 a.m. is also cancelled.