17 Sep 2023 | 03:43 PM UTC
Canada: Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee tracking northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence as of Sept. 17 /update 13
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee tracking northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence Sept. 17. Landfall over Newfoundland, Canada, late Sept. 17.
Event
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee is tracking northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence Sept. 17, having made landfall over western Nova Scotia during the afternoon Sept. 16, New Brunswick late Sept. 16, and Prince Edward Island early Sept. 17. As of 11:00 AST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 215 km (135 miles) west-northwest of Port-Aux-Basques, Newfoundland.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain tropical storm strength as it continues to track northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence before passing over far northern Newfoundland late Sept. 17. The system is then expected to weaken slightly as it enters the Labrador Sea and tracks out into the North Atlantic Sept. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming days.
As of Sept. 17, all coastal warnings have been discontinued across the affected area. Authorities may issue new warnings depending on the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Wind gusts near gale-force are still possible over parts of Atlantic Canada Sept. 17. Swells generated by Lee are affecting portions of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the US, and Atlantic Canada; these swells are likely to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Authorities have reported one storm-related fatality in Searsport, Maine, after a falling tree struck a vehicle. Power outages are ongoing in parts of Atlantic Canada as Lee moves over the region; as of Sept. 17, around 73,000 customers are without power in Nova Scotia, as well as more than 11,000 in New Brunswick. Flooding and fallen trees and power lines have blocked several roads in western Nova Scotia. Officials canceled numerous flights and ferry services in the Maritimes during the passage of the storm, including all flights from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) Sept. 16. More than 3,000 flights were delayed and hundreds of others were canceled across parts of the northeastern US Sept. 16, including over 400 flights canceled at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Nearly 40,000 customers are without power in parts of Maine as of Sept. 17. The governors of Maine and Massachusetts declared a state of emergency in their respective states Sept. 14-15 ahead of the arrival of the storm.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm 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.
