The storm, described as “historic” in its scope by forecasters, is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and more than 100 millimeters of rain to much of Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec. Closer to Fiona’s path, more than 200mm of rain is expected to fall – potentially leading to the evacuation of some roads.
In its latest update, the Canadian Hurricane Center said the storm is moving north and is expected to reach Nova Scotia waters late Friday night before passing Cape Breton early Saturday. Fiona is expected to reach the Lower North Shore of Quebec and southeastern Labrador early Sunday.
“Many weather models continue to indicate that Fiona will transition into a very strong post-tropical storm,” the hurricane center said.
Strong winds and rainfall are expected to result in “major impacts” across eastern Prince Edward Island, eastern Nova Scotia, southern and eastern New Brunswick, western Newfoundland, eastern Quebec and southeastern Labrador.
Coastal areas of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia are expected to experience strong surf, with Nova Scotia waves expected to reach over 10 meters, while wave heights could be more than 12 meters in eastern parts of the bay of Saint Lawrence.
In addition to significant storm surge, potential for coastal and inland flooding, and “all” low pressure across the region, the storm is expected to cause widespread power outages due to trees and utility poles downed by strong winds.
On Thursday, Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud said it remains to be seen whether Fiona’s wind gusts will set records, but the expectation is that gusts will be stronger in some areas than the 150 km/h winds felt when subtropical storm Dorian has made landfall. in 2019.
Nova Scotia Power said about 800 utility workers have been stationed at locations around the province in anticipation of outages and damage to power poles.
Amanda McDougall, the mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, said Thursday that officials were preparing a shelter in the Sydney, NS, area for people to enter before the storm hit. He said emergency planners are concerned that some types of older homes won’t be able to withstand the force of the winds.
The Nova Scotia Construction Association also urged its members to support construction sites and cranes ahead of the storm, warning that buildings under construction will be particularly vulnerable.
“Knowing that construction and tower crane facilities in the province pose some additional risk during these events, we urge you to be diligent in observing all safety measures,” the association said on its website.
During Dorian, strong winds toppled a 73m tall construction crane in downtown Halifax. No one was injured but the crane caused damage to a 13-story building that was under construction.
Fiona hammered Bermuda with heavy rain and winds early Friday as it swept across the island as a Category 3 hurricane.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 23, 2022.
