Over 36,000 without power as wet weather, high winds blast Nova Scotia

Halifax's MacKay Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles Thursday afternoon

Tens of thousands of Nova Scotia Power customers have been left without power as wet weather and high winds hit the province, with up to 50 millimetres of rain expected Thursday.

According to the utility's outage map, there are more than 36,000 homes and businesses without power as of 3:22 p.m. AT.

The largest outages are being reported in the Halifax Regional Municipality and the northern region of the province.

Rainfall and wind warnings remain in effect for most of the province.

Baron - Atlantic Canada rain - Jan26

Environment Canada says the rain is expected to move eastward across the province starting this morning and taper to showers later this afternoon.

Northern areas may see some snow before precipitation changes over to rain.

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The agency has warned of the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas.

RCMP Cpl. Chris Marshall said while there is some localized flooding, no serious collisions or road closures have been reported.

Strong winds coming in from the south are also expected today, with gusts between 90 and 100 km/h.

On Thursday afternoon, Halifax Transit announced the MacKay Bridge had closed to high-sided vehicles, including buses. Some routes have been detoured to the MacDonald Bridge.

Around 2:30 p.m., Halifax Transit also suspended its ferry service until further notice because of the weather.

Winds speeds of up to 140 km/h are expected in the northern parts of Inverness County starting around noon today.

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Environment Canada says there is the possibility of damage to buildings and windows, and also warns that power outages may occur.

CBC: Strong winds damaged trees in Dartmouth at Old Ferry Road and Pleasant Street. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)

Strong winds damaged trees in Dartmouth at Old Ferry Road and Pleasant Street. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)

The Chignecto-Central, Annapolis Valley, South Shore and Cape Breton-Victoria regional centres for education have issued bus plans ahead of the weather, with some buses travelling on paved roads only.

The Strait Regional Centre for Education said in a tweet Thursday some bus routes to Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre would be cancelled due to high winds.

Tri-County Regional Centre for Education said there would be an early dismissal for students at Hillcrest Academy, Shelburne Regional High School, Carleton Consolidated Elementary School and Drumlin Heights Consolidated School.

Bay Ferries has announced that trips departing from Saint John this morning and from Digby, N.S., this afternoon will be cancelled.

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This article was originally published for CBC News.