Environment Canada Just Issued A 'Tropical Cyclone' Warning With A Major Storm Coming

Environment Canada has issued a weather warning to the residents of the Maritime provinces, advising them that a ‘tropical cyclone’ is expected to hit eastern Canada before the end of the week. Tropical storm 'Erin' is expected to form on Tuesday afternoon, and will then track northeastward from the Carolinas into Canada. According to the release, the storm is likely to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Canada, with the bad weather hitting the country from as early as Thursday.

According to the detailed report released by Environment Canada, tropical storm Erin is expected to begin its movement towards Nova Scotia on Wednesday, and will likely arrive in Canada by Thursday afternoon. At 9 a.m. this morning, the cyclone was believed to be around 525 kilometres southeast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, holding maximum wind speeds of 55 km/h.  

The government advises that those in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southeastern New Brunswick should be particularly aware of the incoming storm, as the tropical cyclone is expected to cause anywhere between 50 and 100 millimetres of rainfall, and gusts of wind that will be strong enough to cause power outages, falling trees and other minor damage. 

As well as specifically warning residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to be aware of the imminent storm, the government’s report also specifically mentions the following areas in eastern New Brunswick:

• Fundy National Park

• Grand Lake and Queens County

• Grand Manan and coastal Charlotte County

• Kent County

• Moncton and southeast New Brunswick

• Saint John and county

• St. Stephen and northern Charlotte County

• Sussex, Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County

While this warning is detailed, it is not extensive, as Environment Canada explains, “Details on impacts for Atlantic Canada can only be generalized at this time." The statement goes on to say, "Most of the impacts will depend greatly on the exact track the system takes through our region, which at this time is expected to be near the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.”

Despite the strong winds and heavy rainfall, Environment Canada is predicting that significant storm surges or coastal impacts from high waves are unlikely. However, experts do believe that there could be some higher-than-normal water levels, as well as a possible high surf.

This comes only days after the subtropical depression started forming offshore over South Florida. Speaking at the time, Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham explained that the storm would be one to watch, as it definitely had the potential to turn into a cyclone.

"It is worth keeping an eye on this storm as it's possible that it will track far enough north to have an impact on Atlantic Canada," he explained.

For anyone in the above-mentioned areas, Environment Canada recommends keeping up-to-date with any alerts issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre and forecasts shared by Environment Canada. You can find full information about tropical storm Erin by clicking here.

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