An Alberta clipper is moving across Nova Scotia today, bringing snow, gusty winds and the risk of snow squalls across much of the province.

Environment Canada says snow will continue spreading east this morning, tapering off later in the day for western parts of Nova Scotia. The morning commute is expected to be messy, especially through central areas, while the heaviest snowfall is forecast for the northern mainland and Cape Breton into this afternoon.

Most of the province is expected to see between five and 15 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible in Cape Breton.

Wind gusts could reach up to 70 kilometres per hour as strong northwesterly winds develop this afternoon. Those winds, combined with falling temperatures, are expected to create blowing snow and reduced visibility into tonight.

Forecasters also warn of snow squalls developing this afternoon in Pictou and Antigonish counties and across Cape Breton.

Under those squall bands, visibility could drop suddenly to near zero, with rapid snowfall accumulation of 10 to 20 centimetres in localized areas.

Snow squall conditions are expected to continue into early Tuesday morning.

Meteorologists say travel conditions could deteriorate quickly at times, particularly in squall-prone regions, and drivers are being urged to prepare for sudden changes in visibility and road conditions.

Closures and cancellations

Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE):
• All schools closed
• All SRCE buildings, schools and worksites are closing at noon today due to weather conditions

Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE):
• All schools closed

Conseil scolaire acadien provincial schools:
• École Acadienne de Pomquet – closed
• École Beau-Port – closed
• École NDA – closed

Paqtnkek Education Centre:
• Closed

Nova Scotia Community College:
• Pictou Campus (Stellarton) – closed
• Strait Area Campus – closed
• Wagmatcook Learning Centre – closed

St. Francis Xavier University:
• Closing at noon – all in-person exams are cancelled and will be rescheduled
•  X-Women Hockey skills sessions cancelled

Community and services closures:
• Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA) – closed