Tropical Storm Ian - live: Florida warned to ‘be ready’ for potential hurricane as Biden postpones visit

Floridians have been warned to “be ready” for a potential hurricane this week, as Tropical Storm Ian continues to strengthen while charting a path towards the Sunshine State.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Ian will become a hurricane by the end of Sunday as it moves across the Caribbean towards western Cuba.

By mid-week, the agency expects it will have reached Florida as a major hurricane.

On Saturday, President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for the state, authorising the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance.

The president has also postponed a trip to Fort Lauderdale which was scheduled for Tuesday in anticipation of the extreme weather event.

His federal emergency declaration came as Governor Ron DeSantis also extended the state of emergency from 24 counties to the entire state and mobilised Florida’s National Guard.

As Florida prepares for the incoming weather event, Canada is starting to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts after being hammered by post-tropical cyclone Fiona on Saturday. Fiona, which was formerly a hurricane, left at least 16 dead in Puerto Rico.

Key Points

• Canada sends in troops to help with Storm Fiona devastation

• Death toll from Hurricane Fiona rises to 16 in Puerto Rico

• 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

Tropical Storm Ian forecast to become hurricane by end of Sunday

20:30 , Rachel Sharp

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that Tropical Storm Ian will become a hurricane by the end of the day on Sunday as it charts a path across the Caribbean, continuing to gain strength along the way.

As of Sunday morning, it had reached wind speeds of 50 mph (85 kph), the agency said.

The storm is expected to move over the Cayman Islands and western Cuba before reaching the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle as a major hurricane by the middle of the week.

By then, it could be a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 109 miles per hour (175 kilometres per hour).

While forecasters say it is too early to determine the exact path and strength, parts of coastal Georgia now also lie within the hurricane’s cone of uncertainty.

Cuban government upgrades hurricane watch to hurricane warning

19:45 , Rachel Sharp

The government of Cuba has upgraded its hurricane watch to a hurricane warning for the Cuban provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio, and Artemisa, as Tropical Storm Ian heads for the country.

Cuba has also upgraded its tropical storm watch to a tropical storm warning for the provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas.

The upgrade comes as the National Hurricane Center is now forecasting that Ian will strengthen into a hurricane by the end of Sunday.

Now, a hurricane Warning is in effect for Grand Cayman and the Cuban provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio, and Artemisa.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

National Hurricane Center issues advisory

19:00 , Rachel Sharp

The National Hurricane Center has issued a new advisory for Tropical Storm Ian, warning about “significant wind and storm surge impacts” in western Cuba.

“Tropical Storm #Ian Advisory 10: Ian Forecast to Begin Rapidly Strengthening Later Today,” the agency tweeted of its 11am ET advisory.

“Hurricane Warning Issued For Western Cuba Where Significant Wind And Storm Surge Impacts Are Expected.”

Florida prepares to send 2m meals and 1m gallons of water to affected areas

18:30 , Rachel Sharp

The Florida government is taking stock of two million meals and one million gallons of water which it will be able to distribute to affected areas when the time comes.

Officials said at Sunday’s press conference that the impact of the storm will be far-reaching across the state and it is preparing now to have essential goods in place.

Governor Ron DeSantis said that Tropical Storm Ian will be a hurricane within the next 24 hours and will likely be a major hurricane “very soon”.

Mr DeSantis urged residents to ensure they have enough food, water, batteries, medicine and fuel as he warned that power outages are to be expected.

“Make preparations now,” he said.

“Listen to local officials and just prepare that with hurricane of this magnitude those things are likely to happen.”

Officials urge Floridians not to ‘overevacuate’

18:00 , Rachel Sharp

Floridians have been urged not to “overevacuate” when Tropical Storm Ian barrels into the Sunshine State in the coming days.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, officials told state residents to “know your zone and know your home”.

If your home lies in an evacuation zone, then you should follow official guidelines and leave, they said.

But if your home is not in an evacuation zone, then “you need to know your home” and whether it has the capability to withstand strong winds.

“If you’re not in an evacuation zone and if your home is able to withstand winds then you may want to shelter in place,” an official said.

Residents taking shelter inside their homes should still prepare to lose power for several days on end and should make sure they have enough food and water stocked up.

The guidance came after officials said that two million people over-evacuated during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

DeSantis says he ‘appreciates’ Biden’s ‘quick action’

17:30 , Rachel Sharp

The Florida governor said that he “appreciates the quick action” from President Joe Biden who granted the state’s request to issue a federal emergency declaration on Saturday.

“We appreciate it, we’re thankful,” he said at Sunday morning’s press conference.

Mr Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida on Saturday, authorising the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance if or when Ian makes landfall on the SunShine State.

Mr DeSantis also extended the state of emergency from 24 counties to the entire state on Saturday.

Officials said on Sunday that they had also received calls from every state in the southeast region, saying that they were “ready and willing to help in our time of need”.

Ron DeSantis gives press conference about Tropical Storm Ian

17:00 , Rachel Sharp

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference on Sunday morning where he urged residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Ian.

Mr DeSantis said that the impact of Ian, which is expected to become a hurricane as soon as today, will reach far across the Sunshine State and so Floridians within the entire forecasted cone should be prepared.

“It’s important to point out to folks that the path of this is still uncertain. The impacts will be broad throughout the state of Florida,” he said.

The governor said that power outages and fuel disruptions are likely to unfold when the hurricane reaches the state mid-week.

“With a hurricane of this magnitude it is likely to happen,” he said.

He said that the state would provide an additional update about the path of the storm at 5pm local time on Sunday.

Biden declares state of emergency in Florida and postpones visit

16:15 , Rachel Sharp

President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Florida as Tropical Storm Ian is on track to strengthen into a major hurricane over the coming few days.

The president issued the emergency declaration on Saturday, authorising the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance if or when Ian makes landfall on the SunShine State.

The announcement came after Mr Biden postponed a trip to southern Florida which was scheduled for Tuesday in anticipation of the extreme weather event.

The president had been expected to give a speech about Medicare and Social Security in Fort Lauderdale before heading to Orlando to speak at a Democratic National Committee rally for Florida Democratic candidates.

It would have marked his first visit to the Sunshine State in more than a year.

Typhoon Noru Barrels into Philippines

15:30 , Rachel Sharp

While Canada assesses the damage from Storm Fiona and Florida braces for the incoming Storm Ian, the Philippines is also currently at the mercy of an extreme weather event.

Typhoon Noru barrelled into the northeastern part of the country on Sunday, slamming into the coastal town of Burdeos on Polillo Island in Quezon.

The powerful typhoon – which has wind speeds of 195 kilometers (121 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 240 kph (149 mph) – is expected to chart a path of destruction up through the main Luzon Island overnight towards the capital.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes within the typhoon’s path.

Noru is forecast to reach the South China Sea on Monday before heading to Vietnam later in the week.

PM Trudeau says government will match Red Cross donations

14:45 , Rachel Sharp

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged that the Canadian government will match all Red Cross donations for communities hard-hit by post-tropical cyclone Fiona.

The former hurricane made landfall in Nova Scotia early on Saturday morning before charting a destructive path up the east coast of the country.

In a press conference on Saturday night local time, Mr Trudeau addressed the nation about the government’s response and announced the pledge.

“I know Canadians across the country as always want to help,” he said

“So we’re announcing that we will match any Red Cross donations Canadians and corporations make over the next 30 days.”

The prime minister held an incident response meeting with government officials that morning as he postponed his visit to Japan to deal with the crisis.

Mr Trudeau said that he had also approved Nova Scotia’s request for federal assistance and was deploying the Canadian Armed Forces to assist in the assessment and cleanup operations.

“We stand ready to do more,” he said, adding that the “government is standing ready to support provinces with any necessary resources”.

Following reports of “significant damage in the region,” Mr Trudeau acknowledged that “recovery is going to be a big effort” but vowed to “be there to support every step of the way”.

Tree dangles over main road

14:00 , Zoe Tidman

From someone in Halifax, Nova Scotia:

ICYMI: Fiona makes landfall in Nova Scotia with ‘historic, extreme event’

13:30 , 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

More pictures from Storm Fiona

13:00 , Zoe Tidman

Here are some more images of the chaos and devastation caused by Storm Fiona in Canada:

Nasa calls off Artemis l launch as Tropical Storm Ian escalates into powerful hurricane headed for Florida

12:30 , Rachel Sharp

Nasa has called off the launch of its Artemis l moon rocket 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.

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

‘We are here to serve our country and our communities,’ army division says

12:10 , Zoe Tidman

A Canadian army division in the country’s Atlantic - which has been badly-hit by Storm Fiona - says it is ready to help out.

“We are here to serve our country and our communities,” they tweeted:

Canada’s ‘most intense storm’ in history

11:49 , Zoe Tidman

A meteorologist says Storm Fiona was the “most intense” storm to ever hit Canada:

Pictured: Storm Fiona batters Canada

11:31 , Zoe Tidman

Here are some more images of the devastation caused by Storm Fiona:

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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!”

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”.

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!”

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.

‘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.

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.”

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.

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.”

ICYMI: Trudeau urges residents to prepare

Saturday 24 September 2022 04:06 , Graeme Massie