Hurricane Fiona has the potential to be a strong storm for parts of eastern Canada this weekend.
The hurricane will move north and into the Maritimes Friday and Saturday afternoon as it transitions to a post-tropical storm. This post-tropical transition does not mean that the storm will be weaker, but that its structure will change. It will grow in scale and cover even more territory.
Bob Robichaud, Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist, said at a briefing Thursday that Hurricane Fiona is an “extremely strong and dangerous storm.”
Although the “cone of uncertainty” is still quite large, it is shrinking every day. Forecast models continue to project land over Cape Breton or the eastern mainland of Nova Scotia.
The latest forecast models for Hurricane Fiona project landfall over Cape Breton or the eastern mainland of Nova Scotia. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
The storm was about 1,800 kilometers southwest of Halifax with an intensity of 215 km/ha as of Thursday afternoon.
While there is some uncertainty with the track and other details, the potential impacts are becoming clearer.
The rain will arrive long before Fiona. A cold front moving in from the west will bring its own rain through Thursday and Friday and then start to take advantage of Fiona’s moisture.
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This comes as Environment Canada issued a hurricane watch that includes all of PEI, eastern Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton Island, western Newfoundland and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
A tropical storm watch or statement is also in place for parts of southern Quebec, western Nova Scotia, eastern New Brunswick and much of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Avalon Peninsula.
“Every storm is different,” Robichaud said.
He added that there are several factors, including whether the storm moves away from its current track, that could affect how long it lasts in the region, although Fiona’s area of coverage is reminiscent of 2019’s Hurricane Dorian.
“It will be as strong as [Hurricane] Juan, when Juan made landfall in 2003, where were there extreme winds but concentrated in a small area?” he said, “This storm will be bigger compared to Juan, but maybe a little more stronger than the one we saw with Dorian”.
LOOK | CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon’s full forecast for Fiona
Fiona is likely to become a very strong post-tropical storm by the time it reaches Atlantic Canada
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says post-tropical means the storm is no longer fueled by water, but by temperature contrasts in the atmosphere. He said Fiona is still on track to bring heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.
The heaviest rain is expected as Fiona moves through Friday night and Saturday. Early Saturday, Robichaud said the center of the storm is expected to track toward Cape Breton, but may turn east or west toward central mainland Nova Scotia or western Newfoundland. and Labrador
Prolonged heavy rain can cause flooding, especially along and to the left of the track. Rainfall in these areas could reach 100-150 millimeters and up to 200 millimeters.
As the storm builds, very strong winds are expected over a large area. With trees in full leaf, the potential for electrical outages will be high.
“It’s expected to taper off substantially as it makes landfall and follows the Gulf of St. Lawrence. When that happens, given the size of the storm, given that slow, forward motion, that’s just going to prolong some of those winds more strong”. said Robichaud.
“It’s not going to be a situation where we get two, three hours of really strong winds and then it dies down. We’re going to get that, plus an extended period of stronger winds in areas both to the right and to the left of the storm.”
Hurricane Fiona will track north and into the Maritimes Friday and Saturday afternoon as it transitions to a post-tropical storm. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC) Heaviest rain is expected as Fiona moves through Friday night and Saturday, bringing the potential for flooding in some areas. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
Widespread gusts in excess of 100 km/h are likely across central and eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, PEI and western and southwestern Newfoundland. In these areas, gusts could exceed 130 km/h, especially in exposed coastal areas.
Even in areas farther west, gusts in excess of 70 km/h appear possible.
Widespread gusts in excess of 100 km/h are likely over central and eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
Storm surge is also likely. The impact will greatly depend on the path and timing of the storm and how it coincides with high tide. Stay tuned for more details.
Those in the path of the storm should make sure their emergency equipment is ready to go and their propane tank is topped up. Check your downspouts and storm drains are clean and make sure your sump pump and generator are in good working order.
LOOK | Hurricane Fiona makes landfall in Atlantic Canada
Hurricane Fiona makes landfall in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is bracing for Hurricane Fiona’s impact as the Category 4 storm heads north.
Fire safety during the storm
Erica Fleck is the Assistant Chief of Emergency Management for Halifax Fire and Emergency.
He told CBC News that his crews are preparing for a “major event,” including possible storm surges and flooding. He said fallen leaves could clog basins, keeping water on the surface, and dry soil will take time to absorb it.
A man works to secure equipment at a port in Shediac, NB on Thursday, September 22, as the region prepares for the approach of Hurricane Fiona. (CBC/Radio-Canada) Customers line up to fill up their propane tanks at a Halifax Costco on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Hurricane Fiona is expected to make landfall in Nova Scotia on Saturday. (Radio-Canada)
Trees could fall and block roads, he added.
He said his staff is prepared to work long hours over the weekend if needed. He urged people with well water to prepare in case they lose power and access to that water.
“The biggest danger is flying objects from people who don’t protect their belongings,” he said, listing trampolines, flower pots, toys, bicycles and other outdoor items. He said if you bring a barbecue inside, turn off the propane and don’t run anything that runs on fuel inside your home.
LOOK | Halifax Fire’s Erica Fleck on storm preparedness
Halifax prepares for Hurricane Fiona
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Chief Erica Fleck offers an update on how Atlantic Canadians should prepare as Hurricane Fiona becomes a Category 4 hurricane headed for the Maritimes
He also urged people to avoid using candles because of the risk of fire.
“The most important thing is for people to stay inside and stay safe,” he said. “If they need to evacuate, they call 911 and we’ll evacuate them immediately. We’ll have emergency shelters open before the storm.”