Storm Fiona - live: Hurricane continues to ravage Canada as death toll rises to 16 in Puerto Rico
Fiona made landfall in Canada on Saturday morning after taking 16 lives in Puerto Rico.
The storm, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, first barrelled into the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia, with heavy rain drenching the region and hurricane-strength winds downing power lines and trees.
As Fiona continued on its destructive path through Canada’s eastern seaboard throughout the day, around a dozen homes were washed out to sea off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In one terrifying ordeal, a woman had to be rescued from the water when her home collapsed into the sea in the Channel-Port Aux Basques area.
Authorities said that they had received a report of another person being swept out to sea but were so far unable to confirm it.
This comes as more than half of Puerto Rico remains without power, five days on from when Hurricane Fiona wrought havoc across the island, killing up to eight people.
Meanwhile, Florida is bracing for a separate hurricane in the coming week. Tropical Storm Ian is forecast to build into a Category 3 hurricane before reaching the Sunshine State on Wednesday.
Key Points
Fiona makes landfall in Canada
Woman rescued after Fiona washes home into sea
Justin Trudeau holds incident response meeting
Officials urge residents to take shelter
Nova Scotia residents share clips of hurricane Fiona
Death toll from Hurricane Fiona rises to 16 in Puerto Rico
Woman rescued as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washes homes out to sea
11:12 , Zoe Tidman
A woman had to be rescued from the waters as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washed around a dozen homes out to sea off the coast of Canada.
The woman, who has not been named, was tossed into the water as her home collapsed in the Channel-Port Aux Basques area of Newfoundland on Saturday, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A spokesperson for the RCMP said that the woman was pulled to safety and taken to hospital.
The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has the full story:
Woman rescued as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washes homes out to sea in Canada
Troops sent in to help with clean-up
10:41 , Zoe Tidman
Canadian troops are being sent to assist the recovery from the devastation of storm Fiona, which swept away houses, stripped off roofs and knocked out power across the country’s Atlantic provinces.
Anita Anand, the defence minister, said they would help remove fallen trees and other debris, restore transportation links and do whatever else is required for as long as it takes.
AP
ICYMI: JetBlue flights flies over Hurricane Fiona
10:30 , Rachel Sharp
A JetBlue flight took off from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on Monday, headed to Newark Airport, New Jersey.
Normally, there wouldn’t be anything unusual about that — except that the plane ended up flying directly over the swirling and powerful winds of Hurricane Fiona.
The flight path took the plane near the top of the hurricane clouds as it flew back to the US, threatening some serious turbulence, according to The Washington Post.
The Independent’s Ethan Freedman has the full story:
Justin Trudeau holds incident response meeting
09:30 , Rachel Sharp
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an incident response meeting with government officials on Saturday morning about post-tropical cyclone Fiona.
Mr Trudeau tweeted about the meeting on Saturday afternoon and vowed to send resources to affected areas.
“I’m thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Fiona – I want you to know that we’re here for you,” he said.
“I convened an Incident Response Group meeting with Minister @BillBlair and officials this morning. Our government stands ready to support the provinces with additional resources.”
I’m thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Fiona – I want you to know that we’re here for you. I convened an Incident Response Group meeting with Minister @BillBlair and officials this morning. Our government stands ready to support the provinces with additional resources.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 24, 2022
State of local emergency declared in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality
09:00 , Peony Hirwani
A state of local emergency was declared in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“There are homes that have been significantly damaged due to downed trees, big old trees falling down and causing significant damage,” Mayor Amanda McDougall told The Associated Press. “We’re also seeing houses that their roofs have completely torn off, windows breaking in. There is a huge amount of debris in the roadways.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said roads were washed out, including his own, and said an “incredible” amount of trees had been blown over.“It is pretty devastating,” Houston said.
Why hurricanes in Canada are rare
08:30 , Rachel Sharp
It is fairly rare for hurricanes to strike Canada.
This is because storms usually lose energy once they reach colder waters.
Fiona was downgraded late on Friday from a hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone, before it made landfall on Canada.
However, post-tropical cyclones can still have hurricane-strength winds which can flatten communities in their path.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancels his trip to Japan amid storm Fiona
08:00 , Peony Hirwani
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancelled his trip to Japan for the funeral of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the extent of damage caused by storm Fiona became clear.
Canadian Prime Minister says country needs ‘more resilient infrastructure’ to withstand extreme weather events
07:30 , Peony Hirwani
The Canadian Hurricane Centre tweeted that Fiona had the lowest pressure ever recorded for a storm making landfall in Canada.
Forecasters had warned it could be one of the most powerful storms to hit the country.
“We’re getting more severe storms more frequently,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
He said more resilient infrastructure is needed to withstand extreme weather events, saying that what was once a one-in-100 year storm might now arrive every few years because of climate change.
“Things are only getting worse,” Mr Trudeau said.
Canadian military to help clean up Fiona's devastation
07:00 , Peony Hirwani
Canadian troops are being sent to assist in the recovery from the devastation of storm Fiona, which swept away houses, stripped off roofs, and knocked out power across the country’s Atlantic provinces.
On Saturday (24 September), defense minister Anita Anand said that troops would help remove fallen trees and other debris, restore transportation links and do whatever else is required for as long as it takes.
She didn’t specify how many troops would be deployed.
Animation captures moment Fiona made landfall in Canada
06:30 , Rachel Sharp
An animation has captured the moment post-tropical cyclone Fiona made landfall in Canada.
ECCC Weather Nova Scotia posted the graphic on Twitter.
“A 12 hour doppler radar animation of #Fiona as it made landfall overnight. Preliminary reports from Sydney airport with a gust to 140 km/hr, with other reports over 150 km/hr,” it tweeted.
A 12 hour doppler radar animation of #Fiona as it made landfall overnight. Preliminary reports from Sydney airport with a gust to 140 km/hr, with other reports over 150 km/hr. #nsstorm pic.twitter.com/qpaXjikV2S
— ECCC Weather Nova Scotia (@ECCCWeatherNS) September 24, 2022
06:00 , Peony Hirwani
According to local reports, Hurricane Fiona also killed at least two people in the Dominican Republic and one person in Guadeloupe.
05:30 , Peony Hirwani
According to an update from Puerto Rico’s Health Department, out of the 16 deaths that are “associated” with the hurricane, one has been classified as “direct” and three as “indirect.”
The remaining 12 are under investigation.
Death toll from Hurricane Fiona rises to 16 in Puerto Rico
05:00 , Peony Hirwani
Hurricane Fiona has killed at least 16 people in Puerto Rico, according to the authorities.
The island is still recouping from the storm, which made its impact last weekend and left many residents without electricity or running water.
The death toll could increase as emergency personnel gain access to the hardest-hit areas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency
04:30 , Rachel Sharp
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency across parts of Sunshine State as another storm approaches.
The governor issued the emergency declaration for 24 Florida counties and urged residents to prepare for the incoming major weather event.
“The severity and track of Tropical Depression Nine will continue to evolve. Because of this and the potential for dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, strong winds, flash flooding, and the potential for isolated tornadic activity Governor DeSantis issued the State of Emergency for the following 24 counties,” his office announced on Friday.
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations.”
The state’s National Guard has been activated to be on standby and Mr DeSantis has called on the federal government to also issue a pre-landfall emergency declaration as the storm encroaches.
Tropical Storm Ian developed over the Central Caribbean Sea this week and is forecast to hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane by the middle of next week.
This comes at a time when Canada continues to be battered by Hurricane Fiona.
Fiona’s devastation in pictures:
03:30 , Rachel Sharp
Damage caused by post-tropical storm Fiona on the Burnt Islands, in the Newfoundland and Labrador Province of Canada:
A dwelling submerged in water off the coast of the Burnt Islands:
Fallen trees lean against a house in Sydney, Nova Scotia:
Residents stand in flood waters following the passing of Hurricane Fiona in Shediac, New Brunswick:
The aftermath of Fiona in the Burnt Islands in Newfoundland:
Fiona dubbed Canada’s Hurricane Sandy
02:30 , Rachel Sharp
Fiona has been dubbed Canada’s Hurricane Sandy, with experts warning it will be one of the most powerful storms ever to his the country.
Chris Fogarty, a meteorologist for Canada’s Hurricane Centre, told CNN this week that Fiona “could be Canada’s version of Sandy”, pointing to the size and intensity of the now former hurricane.
Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast of the US back in 2012, hammering 24 states incluing New York and New Jersey.
More than 230 people died and it caused an estimated $78.7bn in damage.
Half of Puerto Rico still without power five days on
01:30 , Rachel Sharp
Half of Puerto Rico is still without power more than five days after Hurricane Fiona barrelled into the island.
Many on the US territory are angry and incredulous, and calls are growing for the ouster of the island’s private electricity transmission and distribution company.
Fuel disruptions are worsening the situation, forcing grocery stores, gas stations and other businesses to close and leaving apartment buildings in the dark because there is no diesel for generators.
Many are questioning why it is taking so long to restore power since Fiona was a Category 1 storm that did not affect the entire island, and whose rain — not wind — inflicted the greatest damage.
“It’s not normal,” said Marcel Castro-Sitiriche, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. “They have not given a convincing explanation of what the problem is.”
Read more here:
Puerto Ricans seething over lack of power days after Fiona
Woman rescued as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washes homes out to sea
Sunday 25 September 2022 00:30 , Rachel Sharp
A woman had to be rescued from the waters as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washed around a dozen homes out to sea off the coast of Canada.
The woman, who has not been named, was tossed into the water as her home collapsed in the Channel-Port Aux Basques area of Newfoundland on Saturday, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A spokesperson for the RCMP said that the woman was pulled to safety and taken to hospital.
The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has the full story:
Woman rescued as post-tropical cyclone Fiona washes homes out to sea in Canada
Power outages could last days
Saturday 24 September 2022 23:30 , Rachel Sharp
Power outages in hard-hit areas could last for several days, officials have warned, as conditions remain too dangerous for crews to begin repairs.
Peter Gregg, CEO of Nova Scotia Power, said in a press conference on Saturday that more than 900 power technicians were headed to Nova Scotia, where Fiona first made landfall early on Saturday morning.
But, because the province is still enduring an active storm, workers will have to wait to start assessing the damage and restoring power.
“We’re working to restore power as quickly as we can, as soon as it’s safe to do so,” he said.
Florida braces for separate hurricane
Saturday 24 September 2022 22:30 , Rachel Sharp
As Canada continues to be hammered by post-tropical cyclone Fiona, Florida is bracing for a separate hurricane in the coming days.
Nasa called off the launch of its Artemis l moon rocket and Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across parts of the Sunshine State as Tropical Storm Ian is set to intensify into a powerful hurricane.
The space agency’s team announced on Saturday morning that – after holding a planning meeting – they had decided to postpone Tuesday’s launch attempt amid concerns about the upcoming extreme weather.
“NASA is foregoing a launch opportunity Tuesday, Sept. 27, and preparing for rollback, while continuing to watch the weather forecast associated with Tropical Storm Ian,” the agency tweeted on Saturday morning.
The postponement of the highly-anticipated event came just hours after Mr DeSantis issued the emergency declaration for 24 Florida counties and urged residents to prepare for the incoming major weather event.
Tropical Storm Ian developed over the Central Caribbean Sea this week and is forecast to hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane by the middle of next week.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has the full story:
Nasa calls off Artemis l launch as Tropical Storm Ian grows into powerful hurricane
Map shows Fiona’s forecast path across Canada
Saturday 24 September 2022 21:45 , Rachel Sharp
The Canadian Hurricane Centre has released a map showing the path Fiona is forecast to take across Canada.
The post-tropical cyclone is expected to continue to move northeastward on Saturday and cause damaging wind, waves, and storm surge, the centre said.
Woman rescued after Fiona washed home into sea
Saturday 24 September 2022 21:00 , Rachel Sharp
A woman was rescued from the water after post-tropical storm Fiona washed her home into the sea off the coast of Canada.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador told the Associated Press that the woman was “tossed into the water as her home collapsed” in the Channel-Port Aux Basques area, at the extreme southwestern tip of Newfoundland.
The woman was pulled from the water to safety.
Police said that they had received a report of another person being swept out to sea but that they had been unable to confirm it.
Up to 12 homes and other buildings on the edge of the coast are believed to have been washed out to sea.
Justin Trudeau holds incident response meeting
Saturday 24 September 2022 20:15 , Rachel Sharp
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an incident response meeting with government officials on Saturday morning about post-tropical cyclone Fiona.
Mr Trudeau tweeted about the meeting on Saturday afternoon and vowed to send resources to affected areas.
“I’m thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Fiona – I want you to know that we’re here for you,” he said.
“I convened an Incident Response Group meeting with Minister @BillBlair and officials this morning. Our government stands ready to support the provinces with additional resources.”
I’m thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Fiona – I want you to know that we’re here for you. I convened an Incident Response Group meeting with Minister @BillBlair and officials this morning. Our government stands ready to support the provinces with additional resources.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 24, 2022
Port aux Basques mayor urges people to stay home: ‘This is serious'
Saturday 24 September 2022 19:30 , Rachel Sharp
The mayor of Port aux Basques has urged people to stay home as Fiona continues to wreak havoc on the area, warning that “this is serious”.
Brian Button, mayor of the town at the extreme southwestern tip of Newfoundland, published a video message on his Facebook page on Saturday warning people not to leave their homes to photograph the extreme weather event.
“We’re still in this storm,” he said.
“This is serious, I’m serious with you when I am telling you need to stay put.”
He said that people had been evacuated from places of danger and brought to makeshift shelters, while others should “stay put” in their homes.
“Stay away. This is a state of emergency that we are in,” he said.
The mayor vowed that the community would “get through this together” and urged anyone who has been displaced to contact the Canadian Red Cross.
State of emergency declared in CBRM
Saturday 24 September 2022 18:45 , Rachel Sharp
On Saturday morning, a state of emergency was declared in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) in Nova Scotia, with officials urging residents to shelter in place and avoid all travel.
CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall tweeted: “It is incredibly dangerous out there as Fiona’s hurricane winds continue in strength. Please stay home and stay safe. If you need to be evacuate phone 911.”
At least 20 people have already been forced to flee their homes in the region and take refuge in shelters which were set up on Friday in anticipation of the rare weather event.
One woman was rescued from her home in North Sydney after the heavy winds suddenly blew the roof off her house, reported local outlet CBC.
Meanwhile, a firefighter crew had a lucky escape in Halifax when a tree fell on their fire truck while they were inside.
Fiona makes landfall in Nova Scotia with ‘historic, extreme event’
Saturday 24 September 2022 18:00 , Rachel Sharp
Hurricane Fiona has made landfall in Nova Scotia with the “historic, extreme event” plunging more than 400,000 residents into darkness, fuelling fears of flash flooding across Canada’s Atlantic Coast.
Fiona, which transformed into a powerful post-tropical cyclone late on Friday, struck the Canadian coast early on Saturday, lashing the region with strong rains and winds of up to 92mph (148 km/h).
Homes in its path were pummelled and power lines downed, leaving more than 415,000 residences in Nova Scotia – around 80 per cent of people in the province – without power on Saturday morning, according to the region’s power outage centre.
In the hard-hit province of Prince Edward Island, over 82,000 customers were affected, along with around 44,000 in New Brunswick.
Hurricane or tropical storm warnings were in place across much of Canada’s Atlantic coastline including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and New Brunswick and parts of Quebec, amid fears that up to 10inches (25cm) of rainfall could result in flash flooding.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has the full story:
More than 400,000 without power as Hurricane Fiona hits Nova Scotia
Trudeau’s departure to Japan delayed
Saturday 24 September 2022 17:00 , Rachel Sharp
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s departure for the funeral of his late counterpart Shinzo Abe in Japan has been delayed as he responds to the storm.
He will be receiving briefings on the emergency response and support from the federal government, as well as reaching out to premiers, according to his press secretary Cecely Roy.
Minister Blair and our Atlantic MPs are in close touch with provincial counterparts. The federal government is ready to provide whatever support may be needed in the response, to keep Canadians safe. 3/3
— Cecely Roy (@RoyCecely) September 24, 2022
Four-month-old baby among victims of storm
Saturday 24 September 2022 16:03 , Andy Gregory
Canada is the latest nation impacted by Fiona, after it tore through the Caribbean, killing at least eight people, my colleague Rachel Sharp reports.
One of the victims was a four-month-old baby who died as its mother was unable to reach a hospital becasue of roads being blocked.
The hurricane ploughed into Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe this week, where thousands were left without power.
Five days on, more than half of Puerto Rico is still in darkness.
Fiona then lashed Bermuda with heavy rains and winds on Friday, and was downgraded to a post-tropical storm before reaching Canada.
More than 400,000 without power as Hurricane Fiona hits Nova Scotia
Homes crushed by trees as strong winds tear off roofs
Saturday 24 September 2022 15:01 , AP
A state of local emergency has been declared by the mayor and council of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality amid widespread power outages, road closures and damage to homes.
“There are homes that have been significantly damaged due to downed trees, big old trees falling down and causing significant damage. We’re also seeing houses that their roofs have completely torn off, windows breaking in. There is a huge amount of debris in the roadways,” Amanda McDougall, mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, told The Associated Press.
“There is a lot of damage to belongings and structures but no injuries to people as of this point. Again we’re still in the midst of this,” she said. “It’s still terrifying. I’m just sitting here in my living room and it feels like the patio doors are going to break in with those big gusts. It’s loud and it is shocking.”
Half a million without power as Fiona crashes through Atlantic Canada
Saturday 24 September 2022 14:27 , Andy Gregory
Fiona has knocked out power to more than half a million people in Atlantic Canada.
More than 415,000 Nova Scotia Power customers — roughly 80 per cent of the province of almost one million — were affected by outages this morning.
In the province of Prince Edward Island, more than 82,000 customers were also without power, while NB Power in New Brunswick reported 44,329 were without electricity.
Fiona to continue northeastward, authorities say
Saturday 24 September 2022 13:40 , Andy Gregory
The Canadian Hurricane Centre has issued a new update on Fiona’s progress, with the storm expected to continue moving northeastward and “cause damaging wind, waves, and storm surge”.
Its graphic showing the storm’s trajectory displayed winds of 130km per hour within the last 40 minutes.
Here is the latest update on #Fiona. Fiona will continue to move northeastward today and cause damaging wind, waves, and storm surge.https://t.co/InPO6wTJg2 pic.twitter.com/vfM9Jmqyqg
— ECCC Canadian Hurricane Centre (@ECCC_CHC) September 24, 2022
Saturday 24 September 2022 13:01 , Graeme Massie
ICYMI: One of the worst hurricanes in Canada in recent decades was Hurricane Juan, a Category 2 storm that hit Nova Scotia in 2003 and killed eight people.
Experts have warned that Fiona could rival the damage from Juan, and have urged residents of Atlantic Canada to be on high alert.
Hundreds of thousands hit by power outages
Saturday 24 September 2022 12:36 , Andy Gregory
By 1am local time (5am BST), more than 250,000 Nova Scotia Power customers – about half of all customers in the province – were affected by power outages.
This number had risen by another 28,000 an hour later.
ICYMI: Hurricanes are getting stronger. Blame the climate crisis
Saturday 24 September 2022 12:05 , Graeme Massie
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Blame the climate crisis
Nova Scotia residents share Hurricane Fiona experiences on social media
Saturday 24 September 2022 11:30 , Peony Hirwani
Many Nova Scotia residents are posting videos, messages, and updates about Hurricane Fiona on social media.
“Hurricane update. ’m on the floor by my bed. I feel safest here,” writer Sondra Baker wrote on Twitter. “The wind is too intense to sleep as it’s shaking the roof and walls like mad.
“I’m going to try and sleep on the floor. Feeling so empathetic for my Nova Scotia family right now. As we’re in NB #HurricaneFiona.”
Another person added: “Extreme weather is scary, so when Hurricane Fiona passes over us, I picture my roof flying off and having to hold onto something to not fly outta the house. Someone ease my mind please.”
A little bit crazy looking at this map knowing we’re in the middle of it. You see a #Hurricane on the news all the time and wish people well, but it’s rare to experience it. #HurricaneFiona is hitting #NovaScotia hard, and I pray there won’t be any fatalities. Yes, it’s that bad. pic.twitter.com/z1Z7AMZY0L
— Danielito (@roukemaMD) September 24, 2022
Sounds of the storm weather here in Nova Scotia, and the hurricane is only beginning to hit us. #HurricaneFiona #NS #NovaScotia pic.twitter.com/ZV8I3RVILc
— kai (@kasuallly) September 24, 2022
Saturday 24 September 2022 11:03 , Graeme Massie
ICYMI: On Sable Island, a wilderness area off the coast of Nova Scotia home to animals like wild horses and seals, parks staff are preparing to hunker down for the storm, Reuters reports.
Nova Scotia’s Premier shares safety tips as Hurricane Fiona looms
Saturday 24 September 2022 10:30 , Peony Hirwani
The 30th Premier of Nova Scotia has shared safety tips for the residents of the province.
A message from Premier Houston on safety tips before #HurricaneFiona arrives in Nova Scotia. #NSStorm pic.twitter.com/pDzThT5371
— Nova Scotia Gov. (@nsgov) September 23, 2022
Saturday 24 September 2022 10:04 , Graeme Massie
ICYMI: Hurricane Fiona isn’t set to make a direct hit on the continental United States, but the corner of Maine closest to Canada will experience winds up to 61 miles per hour (98 kilometres per hour) and potential power outages, warns the National Weather Service.
Nova Scotia government reveals list of comfort centres and shelters
Saturday 24 September 2022 09:30 , Peony Hirwani
The Nova Scotia Government’s Emergency Management Office has revealed the list of comfort centres and shelters in different municipalities.
The information can be found here.
Municipalities are opening comfort centres and shelters to support the province during #HurricaneFiona.
The list will be updated as municipalities provide information. People should check with their municipality for the latest information. https://t.co/iPSQrX8Eqc #NSStorm pic.twitter.com/vNbm4Xm5EC— Nova Scotia EMO (@nsemo) September 24, 2022
Government issues rainfall warnings in Eastern Canada
Saturday 24 September 2022 09:00 , Peony Hirwani
The government of Canada says that rainfall will continue today, with up to 120mm already reported at weather stations over eastern Nova Scotia.
The highest rainfall amounts are likely for eastern Nova Scotia, southwestern Newfoundland, and the Gulf of St Lawrence region.
Forecast guidance is suggesting widespread amounts of 100 to 200 mm, but closer to the path of Hurricane Fiona, more than 200 mm is likely.
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:53 , Peony Hirwani
The Canadian Hurricane Centre has confirmed that Fiona has made landfall as a post-tropical storm in eastern Nova Scotia.
Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 80 knots (148 km/h) and central pressure at 933 MB.
Canadian resident shows image of a tree fallen on her house
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:47 , Peony Hirwani
“Heard a huge thud and saw this barely outside my living room window, too hard to see but 50/50 chance a tree came down onto my house,” one person wrote. “Stay safe everyone!”
Heard a huge thud and saw this barely outside my living room window, too hard to see but 50/50 chance a tree came down onto my house. Stay safe everyone! #HurricaneFiona pic.twitter.com/7S7mavSNNV
— Dino (@DinoDave29) September 24, 2022
What should Eastern Canadians expect in the next few days?
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:30 , Peony Hirwani
A strong category-1 Hurricane Fiona is making its way to Eastern Canada.
Winds 100 are gusting to 140 km/h at exposed locations except 140 gusting to 160 km/h at the coast with surges of 1.8 to 2.4 m and dangerous waves from 11 to 15 m.
Throughout the region, local wind warnings have been issued with additional details and effects.
“These winds could cause significant treefall and result in extended utility outages,” the warnings state. “Damage to building cladding and roofing material is likely, including structural damage in certain cases.
“Winds of this strength could cause windows to break and tear off large overhead highway signs. This will result in damage to docks and breakwaters. Significant shoreline erosion and large waves are expected where winds blow onshore.”
This storm has become a severe event for Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:03 , Peony Hirwani
According to the Canadian government, Fiona is expected to make landfall over eastern Guysborough county in the next hour.
The hurricane is then expected to pass through Cape Breton this morning, and then reach the Quebec Lower North Shore and Southeastern Labrador by late tonight.
Severe winds and rainfall are already occurring over Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, southern and eastern New Brunswick, and western Newfoundland.
Winds will spread into eastern Quebec, and southeastern Labrador this morning.
There are also large waves, especially for the Atlantic coasts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and eastern portions of the Gulf of St Lawrence.
There is storm surge occurring for parts of Nova Scotia, the Gulf of St Lawrence and western Newfoundland.
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:01 , Graeme Massie
Meteorologist Jaclyn Whittal shares footage of ruptured trees in Charlottetown
Saturday 24 September 2022 07:47 , Peony Hirwani
Meteorologist Jaclyn Whittal has shared footage of ruptured trees in downtown Charlottetown as wind blows at “131 km/hr”.
131 km/hr gust now right here where we are and that makes sense. So many trees coming down right now downtown Charlottetown @Seetvdocs @StormhunterTWN @weathernetwork #HurricaneFiona @NateTWN pic.twitter.com/DqzppCwF7f
— Jaclyn Whittal (@jwhittalTWN) September 24, 2022
Nova Scotia government’s guide to prepare for Hurricane Fiona
Saturday 24 September 2022 07:30 , Peony Hirwani
The provincial Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) of Nova Scotia has asked the residents to “minimise the risk of property damage and personal injury by being prepared for potentially severe weather this weekend.”
The basic checklist includes:
having enough food and water for 72 hours
monitoring local media outlets for updates
securing gates, doors and windows
moving yard furniture and securing trash cans, hanging plants and anything that can be picked up by wind
checking radio batteries
filling vehicles with gas and parking them away from trees
keeping pets inside
moving any type of watercraft to high ground
ensuring personal and family safety
checking on neighbours
not leaving candles unattended
Senator Brian Francis of Prince Edward Island sends well wishes to residents of Atlantic Canada
Saturday 24 September 2022 06:52 , Peony Hirwani
Mi’kmaq leader and senator of Prince Edward Island Brian Francis has sent his well wishes to residents of Atlantic Canada.
On Friday (23 September), he wrote on Twitter: “My thoughts tonight are with Islanders and residents of Atlantic Canada/Eastern Quebec.
“With no signs of slowing down, #HurricaneFiona is expected to cause dangerous conditions and significant damage. Please stay safe and informed! & check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours!”
My thoughts tonight are with Islanders and residents of Atlantic Canada/Eastern Quebec. With no signs of slowing down, #HurricaneFiona is expected to cause dangerous conditions and significant damage. Please stay safe and informed! & check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours! https://t.co/VOLWiHAZDR
— Senator Brian Francis (@BrianFrancisPEI) September 24, 2022
Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s warning for residents
Saturday 24 September 2022 06:36 , Peony Hirwani
As Hurricane Fiona hits Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has urged citizens “to be mindful of the dangers” that the storm may present.
“As the storm approaches, it is important to remember that extreme weather will result in hazardous conditions, decreased visibility and possible hydro-planning on our roads and highways,” the RCMP website states. “Drivers may also encounter wind-blown debris on the road and sudden flooding which can be dangerous for motorists and detrimental to highway conditions.
“The RCMP encourage the public to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and refrain from unnecessary travel until after the storm has passed and clean-up efforts are complete.
“If you must travel, allow for additional travel time, let someone know your destination, slow down, watch for pooling water and use your hazard signals if you must stop along the way.”
The police is also encouraging the residents to maintain a “safe viewing distance along beaches and shorelines” as storm-driven waves and tides can cause unpredictable and deadly conditions, as anyone close to the coast could be swept into the ocean.
Residents share footage from Halifax as trees fall on roads
Saturday 24 September 2022 06:16 , Peony Hirwani
Nova Scotia residents continue to share footage of hurricane Fiona with clips showing trees falling on roads.
Got some trees down on Armcrescent East Drive in #Halifax. (CC: NateTWN). #NovaScotia #HurricaneFiona #Fiona #NSStorm pic.twitter.com/QhGIdwKbj8
— StormHQ (@StormHQwx) September 24, 2022
Hurricane Fiona is officially here. Lock down those lobster statues and colourful Adirondack chairs, Halifax. #Fiona pic.twitter.com/AYWtrctCWR
— Christine Goudie (@ChristineGoudie) September 24, 2022
Home now …
Don’t think my windows should shaking like that 😬
1 hr ago 140,000 without power, now 236,000 and the eye is still 3-4 hours away …
It has started thundering & lightning here in #Halifax now 😱 #HurricaneFiona #NSStorm pic.twitter.com/smbI7jPujS— JoCanada™ ✝️🍁🇨🇦🚑 (@NewellMartell) September 24, 2022
Wind gusts are getting pretty strong now in downtown Halifax 130am #Fiona #HurricaneFiona pic.twitter.com/AIeYss6UFQ
— Jason O'Young (@jasonoyoung) September 24, 2022
‘Surge is now coming in fast’: Storm hunter Mark Robinson shares latest update from Louisbourg
Saturday 24 September 2022 06:09 , Peony Hirwani
Mark Robinson says that the “waves are overtopping the docks” in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia as hurricane Fiona hits the province.
Surge is now coming in fast. The waves are overtopping the docks now. In Louisbourg. @weathernetwork @jwhittalTWN @NateTWN #fiona #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/zDcoWeDSgA
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) September 24, 2022
Registered a 96 km/h gust in Louisbourg. @weathernetwork @jwhittalTWN @NateTWN #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/wtP6PJzCUc
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) September 24, 2022
Storm hunter Mark Robinson shares hurricane Fiona update from the docks in Louisbourg
Saturday 24 September 2022 05:47 , Peony Hirwani
Storm hunter Mark Robinson is sharing live updates of “extreme wind and waves” caused by hurricane Fiona from the docks in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
“Situation is rapidly deteriorating on the docks in Louisbourg,” he says in his video. “You can see behind me that the winds are ticking up the ocean and just flinging it up and over.
“I’m tasting salt water. I’m smelling the ocean.
“As we get closer to the centre of the storm, this [place] is likely going to be underwater.”
Wow! Extreme wind and waves at the docks in Louisboug. @weathernetwork @jwhittalTWN @NateTWN #HurricaneFiona pic.twitter.com/pGQeHgAlXA
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) September 24, 2022
Puerto Rico is without power more than five days after Hurricane Fiona struck
Saturday 24 September 2022 05:45 , Peony Hirwani
Half of Puerto Rico is experiencing a power cut more than five days after Hurricane Fiona struck, including an entire town where not a single work crew has arrived.
Many residents of the US territory are angry and incredulous, and calls are growing for the ouster of the island’s private electricity transmission and distribution company.
They’re questioning why it is taking so long to restore power since Fiona was a Category 1 storm that did not affect the entire island, and whose rain - not wind - inflicted the greatest damage.
Thousands of Nova Scotia residents lost power amid high winds and rain as Hurricane Fiona hit the province
Saturday 24 September 2022 05:39 , Peony Hirwani
By 11.59pm yesterday, there were more than 153,000 customers without power, according to the utility company’s online outage map.
Many of those outages were because of high winds and rain, according to the map. It said the power could be back on by Saturday (24 September) for some, while others may need to wait until Wednesday (28 September).
ICYMI: Canada’s ‘Sandy’
Saturday 24 September 2022 05:04 , Graeme Massie
A meteorologist with the Canadian Hurricane Centre told CNN that Fiona could be a Canadian equivalent to Hurricane Sandy, which smashed into New York and New Jersey in 2012.
Fiona, much like Sandy, is a very large storm, spanning hundreds of miles wide. The storm is also forecast to change into a post-tropical windstorm, much like Sandy, Axios reports.
Nova Scotia residents share clips of hurricane Fiona
Saturday 24 September 2022 04:57 , Peony Hirwani
Social media users have started posting clips of hurricane Fiona from their homes in Nova Scotia.
In many clips, winds and rain can be seen gushing through the streets as the storm hits the province.
#HurricaneFiona #Dartmouth #NovaScotia #stormbeers pic.twitter.com/xFyXRkvhuI
— Dylshire (@dylshire) September 24, 2022
Alerta Climática ⚠️ #Fiona Port Hawkesbury, #NovaScotia #Hurricane #Fiona #Video pic.twitter.com/KcSdUSLFqQ
— Notix Mundial DST (@NotixMundialDST) September 24, 2022
Hurricane fiona in nova scotia rn pic.twitter.com/cPzknkiivC
— Protector Of The Gobbos! (@GobboProtector) September 24, 2022
#HurricaneFiona slams into #NovaScotia. See the impact of the extreme winds from the front of our home. Watch for lightning. Turn on sound. Follow me for #Hurricane updates throughout the night from #Halifax pic.twitter.com/1HXu7XhRpn
— Danielito 🇨🇦🇨🇭🇯🇲 ✈️ 🚴🏿♂️ 🎶 (@roukemaMD) September 24, 2022
Storm chaser Josh Morgerman issues update about hurricane as Fiona hits Nova Scotia
Saturday 24 September 2022 04:47 , Peony Hirwani
TV personality and professional storm chaser Josh Morgerman has issued an update about hurricane Fiona as it hit Nova Scotia.
“[It’s] 12:25am in Glace Bay and not a drop of rain but the wind is ripping pretty good. It is a good stiff wind.
“You have moments where you get that crazy hurricane howl.”
12:25 am. Hard winds, hurricane howl. Chasing #FIONA in #NovaScotia pic.twitter.com/ylMYFmacf9
— Josh Morgerman (@iCyclone) September 24, 2022
ICYMI: Trudeau urges residents to prepare
Saturday 24 September 2022 04:06 , Graeme Massie
Hurricane Fiona is expected to make landfall in Atlantic Canada and Quebec this weekend. If you are in the region, please take proper precautions and listen to local authorities. Our team is in touch with the provinces – and we’re mobilizing resources to support however needed.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 23, 2022
