Hurricane Fiona has the potential to be a severe storm for parts of Atlantic 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.
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.
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.
Hurricane Fiona will track north and into the Maritimes Friday and Saturday afternoon as it transitions to a post-tropical storm. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC)
The heaviest rain is expected as Fiona moves through Friday night and Saturday.
Prolonged heavy rain can cause flooding, especially along and to the left of the runway. Rainfall in these areas could reach 100-150 millimeters, or even more.
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.
The latest forecast models for Hurricane Fiona project landfall over Cape Breton or the eastern mainland of Nova Scotia. (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.
It’s time to get ready. Make sure your emergency kit is ready to go and your propane tank is fully charged. Check your downspouts and storm drains are clean and make sure your sump pump and generator are in good working order.