Hurricane Fiona expected to impact Atlantic Canada this weekend

Hurricane Fiona is expected to hit the Atlantic Ocean in Canada this weekend as a “potent post-tropical storm” and can bring heavy rains, damaging winds and flooding to the region, the Canadian Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

The storm, which is currently a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to make landfall in Atlantic Canada on Saturday. The hurricane devastated Puerto Rico and hit the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday.

Canadian Hurricane Center meteorologist Ian Hubbard expects Fiona to bring significant rain and “very strong and potentially harmful winds” to some areas of the region. “It also looks like there could be coastal flooding in areas with waves and storm surges,” he said in an interview.

Storm forecasts indicate Fiona will track near or just east of Cape Breton, Hubbard said. “So in terms of some significant impacts, we’re talking about eastern Nova Scotia,” he said, adding that much of the province could be affected.

At this stage, Fiona is expected to impact eastern New Brunswick as well, stretching from the Chaleur region to Moncton, NB. It is also expected to affect Prince Edward Island and the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., before reaching Newfoundland.

Hubbard said the storm is likely to increase in size as it transitions from a hurricane to a post-tropical storm, meaning “the area of ​​impact is likely to increase.” With the storm still days away from reaching the region, details of its path and impact remain unclear. “At this point, the details are thin on the ground,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard suggested residents watch the weather forecast closely as the weekend approaches and prepare for any potential impact from Fiona.

PEI Public Safety Secretary Darlene Compton says islanders should make sure their contingency plans are up to date and kits are stocked.

“That means making sure we have enough supplies for at least 72 hours,” she said in a press release. “It’s also important that we look after our loved ones and neighbors who may need an extra pair of hands to prepare for what Fiona may bring.”

Hubbard said much of Atlantic Canada is likely to experience heavy rain and winds ahead of Saturday’s storm.