The storm is still expected to make landfall early Saturday as a post-tropical hurricane. Power outages are very possible with sustained winds of 60 km/h expected across much of Nova Scotia, PEI and southeastern New Brunswick, with gusts over 100 km/h. Areas of eastern Nova Scotia and PEI are likely to experience the strongest winds with gusts of 120 to 140 km/h or higher possible, especially in exposed coastal areas. This will be especially problematic given the long duration of this event.
With trees in leaf, gusts of 70 to 100 km/h are also likely to cause some power outages in areas further west. Rain is already underway across the region as a cold front ahead of Fiona tracks. Between the front and Fiona, a total of 100 to 150mm of rain is expected along and west of the track. Local amounts could exceed those in tropical rainfall and there is a high risk of flash flooding and runoff.

Fiona could be a record breaking storm

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says it won’t be a Category 4 hurricane by the time it reaches Atlantic Canada, but a post-tropical hurricane-force storm.(Ryan Snoddon/CBC)(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) Fiona will bring strong surf and large waves to eastern Nova Scotia Friday night, then to the Gulf of St. Lawrence overnight and Saturday. The Canadian Hurricane Center is warning of coastal flooding for Nova Scotia, PEI and eastern New Brunswick as the combination of storm surge and large waves moves ashore. For most areas, the highest water levels will be Saturday morning near high tide. So when does the storm arrive and when does it leave? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Friday — Last minute preparation

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) While New Brunswick will get a break from the rain on Friday, most of Nova Scotia and PEI will see periods of rain as the cold front stalls in the eastern Maritimes. Winds will remain relatively light, allowing for last minute preparation.

Friday afternoon — Pass the hatches

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) As we go to bed on Friday night, Fiona will be approaching. Heavier rain will come from the south and winds will also blow.

Friday night — An anxious night

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) As we move into the overnight hours, expect the wind and rain to increase quickly. Areas closer to the storm’s track will really start to feel the force of Fiona’s winds.

Saturday morning — Fiona reaches land

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) As Fiona makes landfall near Cape Breton, stronger winds and heavier rainfall will continue. The storm will be massive, bringing widespread damaging gusts of 100 km/h or greater. High tides coinciding with strong winds and storm surge are likely to cause coastal flooding in some areas.

Saturday afternoon — Winds remain strong

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) Again, the length of this storm will be one of the reasons it will be so severe. Many locations across the eastern Maritimes are forecast to see gusts in excess of 100 km/h for 12 hours or more.

Saturday afternoon — Fiona leaves late

(Ryan Snoddon/CBC) While areas in the western Maritimes will see conditions improve throughout the afternoon, it will be Saturday night and overnight before residents in eastern areas feel some relief from the strong winds and rain. Stay safe and stay tuned for updates in the coming days. I and meteorologists Tina Simpkin and Jay Scotland will keep you updated over the next few days on TV, radio and online.