Canada: Post-tropical Cyclone Fiona tracking northeastward over Gulf of St. Lawrence as of Sept. 24 /update 14

Event

Post-tropical Cyclone Fiona is tracking northeastward in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Sept. 24, having made landfall between Canso and Guysborough in Nova Scotia early Sept. 24. As of 17:00 AST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken slightly as it tracks northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, making landfall over far southeastern Quebec early Sept. 25. Further weakening is likely as the post-tropical system tracks north-northeastward across far eastern Quebec and central Labrador through the afternoon of Sept. 25 before exiting into the Labrador Sea. The system is then forecast to weaken further as it generally tracks northward between far eastern Canada and southwestern Greenland before dissipating early Sept. 27. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast. Significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of 17:00 AST Sept. 24, officials have rescinded all tropical storm and hurricane warnings for Atlantic Canada. Environment Canada is maintaining red (highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings across coastal areas of northeastern New Brunswick, southern Newfoundland and Labrador, northwestern Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and southeastern Quebec. Red strong wind and heavy rainfall warnings are in place across portions of southern Newfoundland and Labrador and southeastern Quebec. Officials could issue new warnings or update, extend, or rescind existing warnings in response to the development of the system in the coming hours and days.

Forecast models predict additional rainfall accumulations of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) across Atlantic Canada, with storm total maxima as high as 25 cm (10 inches) across New Brunswick, western Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

Storm surge is likely to cause coastal flooding in parts of Atlantic Canada in areas of onshore winds over the coming days. Swells generated by Fiona are currently affecting Atlantic Canada, the northeastern US coast, and Bermuda. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

As of Sept. 24, more than 292,000 customers across Nova Scotia, 85,000 on Prince Edward Island, and 27,000 in New Brunswick were without power due to the passage of the storm. Disruptions to mobile services have also been reported in parts of the region and police have reported multiple road closures.

Authorities in Nova Scotia established emergency shelters in Halifax and Cape Breton in anticipation of the storm. All Halifax Transit buses, ferries, and Access-A-Bus trips have been suspended until further notice. The MacKay and Macdonald bridges are closed. Authorities have requested residents to avoid unnecessary travel. 160 people in Halifax have been displaced following damage to two apartment buildings. Cape Breton Regional Municipality has declared a state of local emergency. Reports indicate damages at J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) and other airports across Nova Scotia Province, including Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).

The severe weather and associated disruptions have prompted authorities in Port aux Basques in Newfoundland to issue evacuation orders and declare a state of emergency for the town. Reports indicate that multiple coastal homes in the area have been damaged or washed away. Authorities have issued a boil water advisory for the town.

In Quebec, the Magdalen Islands and Gaspe region remain under a state of emergency. Authorities evacuated at least 22 people in the Magdalen Islands. Roads across the island are closed. Route 132 is closed in both directions near the town of Perce due to fallen electrical poles. Authorities have requested residents to conserve water as some municipal water pumps are running on generators.

Air Canada (AC) has warned that flights at Charlottetown (YYG), Deer Lake (YDF), Fredericton (YFC), Gander (YQX), Halifax (YHZ), Moncton (YQM), Saint John, New Brunswick (YSJ), St. John's, Newfoundland (YYT), Sydney (YQY), and Iles-de-la-Madeleine (YGR) airports may be impacted by Hurricane Fiona through Sept. 26. WestJet (WS) has suspended Halifax Airport (YHZ) operations through early Sept. 25.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm or hurricane conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

US National Hurricane Center
Meteorological Service of Canada