Post by IAMCAPER on Oct 25, 2005 8:13:32 GMT -4
Sydney - Strong winds and heavy rainfall will batter Cape Breton Island beginning tonight as hurricane Wilma downgrades to a peppy post-tropical low pressure system.
Up to 70 millimetres of rain, mixed with strong winds gusting up to 100 kilometres per hour, will arrive tonight and continue Wednesday. Although Environment Canada didn’t issue a heavy rainfall warning Monday, the weather office is expecting to make an announcement this morning.
“At this point, keep an eye on the forecast,” Bob Robichaud, weather preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said Monday.
Wilma ripped through Mexico and Cuba before pounding southern Florida Monday. The hurricane knocked down trees, flooded low-lying regions and caused power outages to at least 1.6 million customers before heading to the Atlantic. Once it got caught up in the jet stream, it started racing toward the Maritimes.
“It’s picking up speed,” said Robichaud.
Today’s high winds and rain will be similar to the storm caused by hurricane Ivan in September 2004. At that time, the island endured two-days of torrential rain and winds gusting up to 110 kilometres. More than 20,000 customers were without power, some for days.
Wilma did hamper one cruise ship’s plans. The Silver Whisper, a cruise ship carrying up to 208 passengers, skipped past Cape Breton Island Monday and sailed to Halifax instead. For smaller vessels, winds are more of a challenge when coming to port, said Bernadette MacNeil, cruise marketing director for Sydney Ports Corp.
Officials hope the season’s final two port calls won’t be nixed because of the pending storm.
MacNeil said the Sea Princess, carrying up to 1,950 passengers, is expected to arrive Wednesday — in the midst of Wilma’s wind and rain. The vessel will confirm its plans late today or Wednesday morning. And, the Norweigan Jewel, carrying up to 2,400 passengers, is coming Friday.
“I hope Wilma will spare us,” said MacNeil.
Some flooding is expected within the region, said Mike MacKeigan, public utilities manager for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“Hopefully, it won’t be overly serious.”
It’s unlikely that construction work along Kings Road will be hampered by the storm, he added.
“Contractors will make sure they have adequate pumping.”
Officials with Nova Scotia Power were preparing their crews for the weather.
The provincial Emergency Measures Organization is advising the public to take necessary precautions as the storm passes through the province.
“The best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared,” said Ernie f*ge, minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act.
Some suggestions are to secure objects on properties that could be torn loose or blown around. Have an emergency kit prepared and have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage. In a severe storm, choose a shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs provides good shelter.
Nova Scotians are also reminded to stay away from coastal areas.
Up to 70 millimetres of rain, mixed with strong winds gusting up to 100 kilometres per hour, will arrive tonight and continue Wednesday. Although Environment Canada didn’t issue a heavy rainfall warning Monday, the weather office is expecting to make an announcement this morning.
“At this point, keep an eye on the forecast,” Bob Robichaud, weather preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said Monday.
Wilma ripped through Mexico and Cuba before pounding southern Florida Monday. The hurricane knocked down trees, flooded low-lying regions and caused power outages to at least 1.6 million customers before heading to the Atlantic. Once it got caught up in the jet stream, it started racing toward the Maritimes.
“It’s picking up speed,” said Robichaud.
Today’s high winds and rain will be similar to the storm caused by hurricane Ivan in September 2004. At that time, the island endured two-days of torrential rain and winds gusting up to 110 kilometres. More than 20,000 customers were without power, some for days.
Wilma did hamper one cruise ship’s plans. The Silver Whisper, a cruise ship carrying up to 208 passengers, skipped past Cape Breton Island Monday and sailed to Halifax instead. For smaller vessels, winds are more of a challenge when coming to port, said Bernadette MacNeil, cruise marketing director for Sydney Ports Corp.
Officials hope the season’s final two port calls won’t be nixed because of the pending storm.
MacNeil said the Sea Princess, carrying up to 1,950 passengers, is expected to arrive Wednesday — in the midst of Wilma’s wind and rain. The vessel will confirm its plans late today or Wednesday morning. And, the Norweigan Jewel, carrying up to 2,400 passengers, is coming Friday.
“I hope Wilma will spare us,” said MacNeil.
Some flooding is expected within the region, said Mike MacKeigan, public utilities manager for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“Hopefully, it won’t be overly serious.”
It’s unlikely that construction work along Kings Road will be hampered by the storm, he added.
“Contractors will make sure they have adequate pumping.”
Officials with Nova Scotia Power were preparing their crews for the weather.
The provincial Emergency Measures Organization is advising the public to take necessary precautions as the storm passes through the province.
“The best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared,” said Ernie f*ge, minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act.
Some suggestions are to secure objects on properties that could be torn loose or blown around. Have an emergency kit prepared and have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage. In a severe storm, choose a shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs provides good shelter.
Nova Scotians are also reminded to stay away from coastal areas.