The hurricane will track north and into the Maritimes late Friday and Saturday as it transitions into a post-tropical storm. This metatropical transition does not mean that the storm will be weaker, but its structure will change. It will grow in scale and cover even more ground. Bob Robichaud, Environment Canada’s preparedness warning meteorologist, said in a briefing Thursday that Hurricane Fiona is an “extremely powerful and dangerous storm.” While the “cone of uncertainty” is still quite large, it is getting narrower every day. Forecast models continue to project landfall at Cape Breton or the eastern mainland of Nova Scotia. The latest forecast models for Hurricane Fiona project landfall over Cape Breton or the eastern mainland of Nova Scotia. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC) The storm was about 1,800 kilometers southwest of Halifax with sustained winds of 215 km/h as of Thursday afternoon. While some uncertainty remains with the track and other details, the potential implications are becoming clearer. The rain will arrive much earlier than Fiona. A cold front moving in from the west will bring its own rain from Thursday and Friday and then begin to suck up moisture from Fiona. WATCHES | NS officials provide update on storm preparations This comes as Environment Canada has issued a hurricane watch that includes all of PEI, eastern Nova Scotia including Cape Breton Island, western Newfoundland and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
A tropical storm watch or statement is also in effect for areas of southern Quebec, western Nova Scotia, eastern New Brunswick and much of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Avalon Peninsula. “Every storm is different,” Robichaud said. He added that there are several factors, including whether the storm moves away from its current track, that could affect how hard the region is hit, although Fiona’s coverage area is reminiscent of 2019’s Hurricane Dorian. “It will be as strong as [Hurricane] Juan when Juan made landfall in 2003 where there were extreme winds but they were concentrated in a small area?’ he said, “This storm will be larger in size compared to what Juan was, but maybe a little stronger than we are. saw with Dorian.’ WATCHES | CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon’s full Fiona forecast

Fiona is likely to become a very strong post-tropical storm when it hits Atlantic Canada

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says the post-tropical storm means the storm is no longer fueled by water, but by temperature contrasts in the atmosphere. He said Fiona was still on track to bring heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms. The heaviest rainfall is expected as Fiona moves through Friday night and Saturday. In the early hours of Saturday, Robichaud said the center of the storm is expected to cross Cape Breton, but may turn east or west toward central mainland Nova Scotia or western Newfoundland and Labrador. Prolonged heavy rain will bring the potential for flooding, particularly along and to the left of the track. Rainfall amounts in these areas could reach 100-150mm and up to 200mm. As the storm grows, very strong winds are expected over a wide area. With the trees in full leaf, the potential for power outages will be high. “It’s expected to slow significantly as it makes landfall and tracks across the Gulf of St Lawrence. When that happens, given the size of the storm, given that slow, forward motion, that will prolong some of those stronger winds.” Robichaud said. “It’s not going to be a situation where we get two, three hours of really strong winds and then it dies down. We’re going to get that, plus an extended period of stronger winds in areas both to the right and to the left of the storm.” Hurricane Fiona will track north and into the Maritimes late Friday and Saturday as it transitions into a post-tropical storm. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC) The heaviest rain is expected as Fiona continues Friday night into Saturday and will bring the potential for flooding to some areas. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC) Extended gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible across central and eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, PEI and western and southwestern Newfoundland. In these areas, gusts could exceed 130 km/h, especially in exposed coastal areas. Even in areas further west, gusts in excess of 70 km/h look possible. Extended gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible across central and eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island. (Ryan Snoddon/CBC) A storm surge is also possible. The impact will largely depend on the track and timing of the storm and how it coincides with high tide. Stay tuned for more details. Those in the path of the storm should make sure their emergency kit is ready to go and their propane tank is topped up. Make sure your downspouts and storm drains are clear and make sure your sump pump and generator are working. WATCHES | Hurricane Fiona is headed for Atlantic Canada

Hurricane Fiona is headed for Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada is bracing for the effects of Hurricane Fiona as the Category 4 storm heads north.

Fire safety during a storm

Erica Fleck is the assistant chief of emergency management for Halifax Fire and Emergency. She told CBC News that her crews are preparing for a “major event,” including potential storms and flooding. He said fallen leaves could clog catch basins, keeping water on the surface and the dry ground would take time to absorb it. A man works to secure equipment at a port in Shediac, NB on Thursday, September 22, as the region prepares for the approach of Hurricane Fiona. (CBC/Radio-Canada) Customers line up to fill propane tanks at a Halifax Costco on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Hurricane Fiona is expected to make landfall in Nova Scotia on Saturday. (Radio-Canada) Trees may fall and block roads, he added. She said her staff is prepared to work long weekend hours if needed. He urged people using well water to prepare in case they lose power and access to that water. “The biggest danger is flying objects from people who don’t secure their items,” he said, citing trampolines, flower pots, toys, bikes and other outdoor items. He said if you bring a barbecue inside, disconnect the propane and don’t use anything that runs on fuel inside your home. WATCHES | Halifax Fire’s Erica Fleck on standby for storms

Halifax is preparing for Hurricane Fiona

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Manager Erica Fleck gives an update on how Atlantic Canadians are preparing as Hurricane Fiona strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane headed for the Maritimes. He also urged people to avoid using candles because of the risk of fire. “The biggest thing is for people to stay inside and be safe,” he said. “If they need to evacuate, they call 911 and we’ll evacuate them right away. We’ll have emergency shelters open before the storm.”