Intensifying snow with a quick moving system could leave parts of southern and central Nova Scotia, including the city of Halifax, digging out of 15 cm by day's end on Friday.

That's as a small, but vigorous system passes just off the Atlantic coast putting a bold halt on the mostly above seasonal conditions so far this month.

Relatively rapid snowfall accumulation made a mess of the roads in short order, with some collisions reported, and impacts possible into the evening commute.

Vehicle skids off the road in Chester, Nova Scotia. Occupant said to be unharmed. Courtesy of Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network

Environment Canada issued special weather statements for the region first thing Friday, soon upgraded to full-fledged snowfall warnings for the Halifax and Lunenburg areas, warning that the timing of the snow will likely have impacts on the evening commute. More details on when the heaviest snow will fall, below.

WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Full-fledged snowfall warnings issued for Halifax and Lunenburg areas
• Heaviest snow through the early afternoon hours around Halifax
• 10-15 cm forecast in the hardest hit places, impact on evening commute likely

FRIDAY: ENDING THE WEEK WITH A SWATH OF HEAVY SNOW OVER HALIFAX

After waking up to a light dusting over southern Nova Scotia Friday morning, the snow will continue to shift northward and intensify throughout the day.

Halifax wakes up to light dusting of snow on January 22. Courtesy: Nathan Coleman

"The heaviest snow will occur around midday Friday, focused on areas south and west of Halifax," says Weather Network meteorologist Michael Carter. "Snow will continue through the afternoon and into the early evening, diminishing from south to north as the system makes its way out."

Snow pushes through Chester, Nova Scotia on January 22. Courtesy: Nathan Coleman

The chance for some light snow will linger through the evening hours, gradually winding down entirely through the overnight into Saturday.

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The highest snow totals with this quick moving system will be for areas to the south and west of Halifax, where up to 15 cm may fall. For the city of Halifax itself, around 10 cm of accumulation is expected through Friday night.

Regardless as to where the highest snowfall amounts will occur, the timing will likely have impacts on the evening commute across the region, so drivers are being urged to plan ahead accordingly.

Be sure to check back as we continue to monitor the progression of this Friday storm.