Nova Scotia is launching a hurricane preparedness awareness campaign ahead of what’s expected to be an above-average hurricane season.
“We’ve seen a number of severe weather events this year, which have resulted in an absolute tragedy,” said John Lohr, the minister responsible for the emergency management office, during a news conference Thursday afternoon.
“And for many, the recovery’s still very much underway — from the extreme dry conditions that fed the wildfires in our province in May, to the heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms that triggered the tragic flash flooding events we’ve experienced in July and August.”
Lohr said so far, the hurricane season appears to be shaping up to be an “active one,” and the province is urging people to be prepared.
“We’re working together and preparing for the season ahead,” he said. “I would like to encourage all Nova Scotians to take some time now, before a storm or weather warning is issued to our region, to do the same.”
The announcement came as tropical storm Franklin looms off the coast, though it’s too early to say if it will have much of an impact in the Maritimes.
According to Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Bob Robichaud, Franklin was about 1,200 kilometres southwest of Bermuda as of Thursday afternoon, and was moving northeastward.
Meteorologists predict the storm will gradually take a more northerly track over the weekend, and is expected to develop into a Category 2 hurricane.
“We expect that the storm should enter our response zone probably early next week, followed by another turn towards the northeast — another right-hand turn,” he said.
“That right-hand turn is going to be very critical in determining if the storm tracks closer to the Maritimes, or … if the turn is a lot sharper, it might keep the centre of the storm offshore.
“So, right now we can’t really determine how sharp that turn is going to be. That’s what we’re watching over the next few days.”
He said most forecast models right now keep the centre of the storm south of the Maritimes, though “as of right now, everything is still kind of on the table.”
However, even if the storm was to make landfall in Nova Scotia, Robichaud said “we’re not necessarily looking at another Fiona-type scenario,” referencing the fierce storm that battered the province last September.
“Most of the models don’t have the storm that strong by the time it gets here — but any storm at this time of year is one that we have to watch quite closely,” he said.
Given all the rain the province has seen this summer, and the fact that the ground is already saturated, the meteorologist noted that “a hurricane bringing a lot of rainfall obviously is not something we want at this time of year.”
Hurricane preparedness
Atlantic hurricanes often form in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean and can sweep up the east coast to Canada.
While experts initially predicted an average Atlantic hurricane season in May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said earlier this month that the slower onset of El Niño and record-breaking warm ocean temperatures may lead to a busier than normal season.
NOAA increased the likelihood that there will be an “above normal” hurricane season to 60 per cent, up from a 30 per cent chance in May.
The agency said there could be 14 to 21 named storms, six to 11 hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes. Major hurricanes are ones that reach Category 3 to 5 and have winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
It gave a 25 per cent chance of a near-normal hurricane season and a 15 per cent chance of below normal. The forecast is given with 70 per cent confidence.
During Thursday’s news conference, Minister Lohr said people shouldn’t wait for weather warnings before preparing for hurricanes.
“Before an event happens is a good time to sit down with your family and talk things over,” he said. “Check to see what may need to be done around your house or cottage. Make a plan and prepare. And then, if at some point, a weather warning is issued for the area, you’ll be ready.”
Lohr said people should do the following to prepare:
- stay up to date on forecasts;
- have an emergency kit with food, water, medications, important documents and supplies to last for several days;
- prepare properties by trimming trees, securing loose items, and clearing gutters and storm drains;
- check insurance coverage;
- make a plan for your family, “should you be ordered to evacuate.”
The four-week awareness campaign begins Thursday and will include radio, print and online ads.
— with files from Eric Stober
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