Canada: Post-tropical Cyclone Fiona tracking northward over Gulf of St. Lawrence as of Sept. 24 /update 13

Event

Post-tropical Cyclone Fiona is tracking northward in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Sept. 24, having made landfall between Canso and Guysborough in Nova Scotia early Sept. 24. As of 11:00 AST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 160 km (100 miles) west-northwest of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken slightly as it tracks north-northeastward over the Gulf of St. Lawrence before making landfall over far southeastern Quebec late Sept. 24. Further weakening is likely as the post-tropical system tracks north-northeastward across far eastern Quebec and central Labrador late Sept. 24-early Sept. 25 before exiting into the Labrador Sea. The system is then forecast to weaken further as it tracks northward and then north-northeastward between far eastern Canada and southwestern Greenland through early Sept. 27. The storm will then likely dissipate by early Sept. 28. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast. Significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of 11:00 AST Sept. 24, officials had issued the following hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings:

Hurricane Warning

• Nova Scotia from Hubbards to Brule
• Prince Edward Island
• Isle-de-la-Madeleine
• Newfoundland from Parson's Pond to Francois

Tropical Storm Warning

• St. Andrews, New Brunswick, to west of Hubbards, Nova Scotia
• West of Brule, Nova Scotia, to Cap Madeleine, Quebec
• Anticosti Island
• Sheldrake, Quebec, to north of Parson's Pond, Newfoundland
• Boat Harbor to Hare Bay, Newfoundland
• Francois to St. Lawrence, Newfoundland

Tropical Storm Watch

• North of Boat Harbor, Newfoundland, to West Bay, Labrador

Environment Canada has also issued heavy rainfall, storm surge, and strong wind warnings across eastern New Brunswick, southeastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, 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 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches), with localized maximums of up to 25 cm (10 inches), over Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and western Newfoundland; significant flooding is possible in some areas. Accumulations of approximately 5-12.5 cm (2-5 inches) are forecast in Labrador and eastern Quebec, as well as 2.5 cm (1 inch) in eastern New Brunswick. 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 within the hurricane and tropical storm warning areas in 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.

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 avoid unnecessary travel. As of early Sept. 24, more than 400,000 customers across Nova Scotia, 82,000 on Prince Edward Island, and 55,000 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. 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.

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