Heavy rainfall forecast prompts special weather statements, warnings for N.S.

Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for southwestern Nova Scotia and special weather statements for the rest of the province, with heavy rain forecast to beginWednesday afternoon.

The rain will start in southwestern Nova Scotia in the morning and spread eastward through the daybefore tapering off Thursday morning.

Total rainfall amounts of 15 to 30 millimetres are expected, but amounts could be even higher locally.

A Les Sutes wind warning is also in effect for Inverness county where gustsup to 100 km/h are possible Wednesday evening and overnight.

Elsewhere, winds will gust 50 to 60 km/h on Wednesday, with stronger winds on the way for Thursday.

"Strong westerly winds Thursday behind the system, gusting 50-80+ km/h, will drop our temperatures in a hurry and usher in some chilly temperatures to end the week," said CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon.