Although not much has changed, the forecast has moved the potential path of the hurricane a little closer to the island, while it is also predicted to be stronger. “Now it looks like it’s going to make landfall somewhere in Cape Breton early Saturday morning,” CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin told Island Morning on Wednesday morning. “Some of the latest models have it as a Category 3 hurricane brushing over Sable Island.” Environment Canada issued a special weather statement early Wednesday morning. The federal agency says Fiona’s combination with another weather system will produce heavy rain starting Thursday night and that flooding and washouts are likely. Strong to strong winds will begin Friday night and peak Saturday. The PEI Emergency Management Agency activates the enhanced Level 1 watch on Wednesday morning. The province has scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. to provide updates on Fiona’s track and possible effects on the island. EMO encourages islanders to restock their emergency preparedness kits, with food, water, heat and fuel supplies to sustain your household for up to five days.
“A huge storm”
There is still a level of uncertainty, Simpkin said, but that window of uncertainty is narrowing as the hurricane moves north. “Regardless of the storm’s track, whether it varies by even 100 kilometers, this is such a massive storm that it’s going to have an impact here on PEI,” Simpkin said. “If we’re prepared, then we’re less afraid and we know where everything is.” Fiona will close out what is already a wet week. The rain fell steadily on Tuesday night. It will end in the morning but the rain will continue and there is a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Thursday’s forecast calls for rain. Some Northumberland ferry routes between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are already being canceled due to bad weather this week.
