Hurricane Fiona Could Be a Record Breaker When It Barrels Into Nova Scotia This Weekend
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As Hurricane Fiona has continued its approach towards Atlantic Canada, we have become increasingly confident in just how strong of a storm we are facing. Fiona is currently a very strong, dangerous storm and it will continue to be when it finally makes landfall overnight Friday. At this point, it will be considered a Post-Tropical Cyclone and despite the name, it will still be hurricane strength. During the transition into a Post-Tropical storm, the storm will actually grow in size, and its impacts will be felt across all of Atlantic Canada.
This could very easily end up being a historic storm, potentially breaking a 45 year old Canadian record for lowest pressure ever from St. Anthony, Newfoundland in 1977. That records stands at 940.2mb and every weather model is predicting well below this value, with some suggesting that Fiona could make landfall with a pressure as low as 915mb. A more likely scenario, although still record-breaking, would be in the 925-935mb range. These extreme low pressure values will be what drives the hurricane-force winds, giant waves, and dangerous storm surge as Fiona comes ashore. Although difficult to pinpoint the exact location, it appears that Fiona will make landfall as a high-end Category 2 storm somewhere between Drum Head and Canso Saturday morning. From there, it will travel northeast and across Northern Cape Breton Island throughout the day Saturday.
The winds from Fiona will first be felt across the province in the late evening and will continue to strengthen before reaching their peak in the early morning hours on Saturday, just before the centre of the storm makes landfall. The southern shore of Cape Breton Island, including Sydney, will see the strongest winds with gusts over 140 km/h. The rest of Cape Breton and the Highlands are in the 130-140 km/h range. As this winds wrap around the storm and come from the north to the west of Cape Breton Island, stronger gusts are possible along parts of the northern shore of the Highlands. Wind gusts decrease moving westwards, but will still be quite strong. The weakest wind gusts are expected to be 80-90 km/h in the Yarmouth area. The winds will begin to diminish in the early afternoon before becoming light in the evening and overnight Saturday. The strength of winds expected can easily cause structural damage and bring down trees, especially since there are still leaves on the trees.
The rain that will accompany the wind will also be significant for most of Nova Scotia. The heaviest rain will be widespread to include areas to the north and west of the centre of the storm. Most of Eastern Nova Scotia will see in excess of 100mm of rain, with the possibility of up to 200mm for areas closer to where the centre of the storm tracks. This amount of rain, mixed with already saturated ground, will quickly result in flooding and road washouts.
The final threat from Hurricane Fiona will come in the form of large waves, storm surge, and subsequent coastal flooding. Waves are expected to be between 10 and 14 metres which will coincide with high tide and peak storm surge so there is a threat of a considerable amount of coastal flooding, especially along the southern coast of Cape Breton Island.
Given where Fiona is expected to track across Nova Scotia, prolonged widespread power outages are very likely across much of the province. The major powerlines that run along the Canso Causeway and provide power to thousands of customers across the province are in danger of being damaged as the storm moves directly through the area.
Nova Scotia EMO has suggested that all residents should have an emergency kit ready and to be prepared in the event of possible long-term power outages. In your emergency kit, you should have at least 72 hours worth of emergency supplies that include water, non-perishable food, medication, baby formula, pet food, batteries, gas in vehicles, and charged phones. A stash of storm chips is also highly recommended. Additionally, there are shelter options available if you cannot stay in your home. If you live in an area that may be especially at risk from the storm surge, it is recommended that you consider moving to higher ground. Additional information can be found at the Nova Scotia EMO website. It is important to also be prepared to evacuate if given the order by emergency personnel, especially those living in low-laying coastal around along the southern shores of the province. If you must leave your shelter during the storm, please be cautious of falling trees and powerlines, washed out roads, as well as rising and faster moving water in rivers and streams. Stay away from beaches and if you approach a flooded road turn around, don’t drown.
This will be a storm for the history books, but it will be over after 24 hours. In the meantime, stay safe!
