(Satellite image of Hurricane Fiona via NOAA.) Fiona is now pummeling the Halifax area with about 8,500 customers without power. The hurricane will particularly target the western part of Newfoundland, the southern and southwestern coasts. It has now been downgraded to a Category 3, but is still a very strong storm. Fiona will reach eastern Nova Scotia tomorrow morning so winds will increase overnight as the storm expands in size. However, it picks up speed and is currently traveling at 56 km/h. The Port aux Basques area could see up to 100mm of rain over the next two days with lesser amounts in the Corner Brook area and to the south. However, storm surge and surge warnings are in place for all south-facing coasts and coasts along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Rob Carroll, a meteorologist at the Gander Bureau of Meteorology, says records could be broken in the southwest corner. There is the potential for the highest water levels in the Port aux Basques area on record. It should be several days in Avalon, the east coast and central, but those areas will feel some impact as will southern Labrador where winds will reach 70km/h tomorrow. The Maritimes will start to really feel the wrath tonight with a ton of water and strong winds. pic.twitter.com/4KaLE4ZAhA — ECCC Canadian Hurricane Center (@ECCC_CHC) September 23, 2022 While Fiona has its sites in the western part of the island, the size of the storm means most of the province will feel its effects with strong winds expected in most areas. Residents across the province are reminded to bring loose or vulnerable outdoor items indoors or secure them in place. Residents are also reminded to have an emergency kit ready and have their devices fully charged and have batteries for radios and other items.
Municipalities are also being asked to ensure that roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris, that emergency plans are reviewed and ready, and that measures are taken to continue essential services.
It’s important to have an emergency kit to prepare for three days – here’s how you can prepare on a budget: pic.twitter.com/pZNYHFq3Kr — Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada) September 22, 2022 All Gulf of St Lawrence crossings are canceled for this evening, tomorrow and Sunday morning as Marine Atlantic prepares for Hurricane Fiona.
The storm is expected to bring sustained winds in excess of 100 km/h, strong storm surge and torrential rain to both Cape Breton and the island’s southwest coast. Marine Atlantic says additional mooring equipment will be used to secure vessels in the dock at both Channel-Port aux Basques and North Sydney. Meanwhile, Channel-Port-aux-Basques Mayor Brian Button says they are preparing as best they can. City crews remove outdoor equipment, planters and other loose items and secure construction sites. Button says area residents are used to preparing for severe storms, but he admits this one is especially concerning. The City of Corner Brook is also preparing for the storm and hoping for the best. Mayor Jim Parsons says tree trimming keeps crews and contractors busy. “And we fill sandbags, lots of sandbags,” says Parsons. ⚠️ Weather warnings and watches have been issued for Newfoundland and Labrador. Continue to monitor the forecast in your area and be prepared. For updated forecast information visit: #GovNL #Fiona #nlwx pic.twitter.com/oUeAKWm8kn — Justice and Public Safety NL (@JPS_GovNL) September 23, 2022