Five things you need to know about Thursday, July 3
Digital Reporter
Thursday, July 3, 2014, 7:00 AM - Wondering what you missed overnight or what you can expect for the day ahead?
Here's your weather briefing for Thursday, July 3.
1. Hurricane Arthur to bring messy weather to Atlantic Canada
Arthur, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, is expected to bring significant rain and wind to Atlantic Canada this weekend.
EXTENDED ACTIVE WEATHER COVERAGE: Tune in to The Weather Network for live updates on the summer storms in your area. Our team of reporters and meteorologists in the field provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date coverage.
According to the Canadian Hurricane Centre, it's still too early to predict exact rainfall and wind speeds at this point. It says the storm's projected track has been moved slightly to the west.
"The concern for Atlantic Canada is that the storm’s forecast track has narrowed so it appears there is no way out from Arthur having a significant impact this weekend," says Weather Network chief meteorologist Chris Scott. "Current timing suggests a Saturday impact for the Maritimes, with the storm affecting Newfoundland Saturday night into Sunday."
Scott says assuming wind gusts are near hurricane strength, significant power outages are possible, particularly across Nova Scotia.
"Rainfall will be heavy with current indications showing the heaviest rain falling through New Brunswick, western Nova Scotia and western PEI. Depending on the forward speed of the system, some localized flooding is possible in these areas."
Forecast wind flow around #Arthur near Nova Scotia's south shore Saturday. GFS model https://t.co/aquMOYqr42 #atlstorm pic.twitter.com/guXpPVeJt5
— Chris Scott (@ChrisScottWx) July 2, 2014
2. Hurricane preparedness: Always have a plan
High winds and high waters are a recipe for disaster, so what's the best way to handle them?
Officials say to have a plan.
For instance:
- Stock up on emergency supplies for your car or home including batteries, canned food, flashlights and a battery powered radio.
- Have emergency numbers ready and program them into your cell phone.
- Have a fire extinguisher ready and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it.
- If you are in a hurricane prone area, know where your nearest shelter is and also know different ways to get out of your neighborhood and to safety.
And remember, hurricane damage is not confined to coastal areas.
They can cause heavy rains, flooding and knock out power lines well inland, so try to get your plan ready just in case.
3. Almost 90 communities under states of emergency in Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Although the devastating rains that drenched the Prairies are over, they leave massive flooding in their wake.
States of emergency are in effect in almost 90 communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and more than 500 people have been forced from their homes, a number that is only expected to rise.
TUNE IN: Watch the Weather Network on TV for regular updates on this massive rain system, and send us your pictures and videos.
In Saskatchewan, the villages of Gainsborough and Carievale are cut off because all roads in and out of the communities are flooded.
Many yards under water, and a flurry of sandbagging activity visible. #mbflood @westernproducer #westcdnag pic.twitter.com/C4TH9O1t0I
— Chris Unrau (@27Sprint) July 2, 2014
Meanwhile, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of central and northern Alberta, with severe thunderstorms possible today.
"Thunderstorms are expected to develop along the Foothills in the early afternoon and move east, last into the evening," EC says. "Strong winds over 90 km/h and hail larger than loonies will be the main threats with these storms."
4. Heat warnings remain in place in the Maritimes
"A warm and humid airmass persisting over the Maritimes will result in humidex values reaching and possibly exceeding 40 during the afternoon over most of the province with the exception of the Fundy coast where onshore southwesterly winds will maintain cooler temperatures," said Environment Canada in the warning early Thursday.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
5. Ideal weekend weather coming up in Ontario
If the heat and humidity isn't your thing, this upcoming weekend could be the best weather yet so far this summer.
"We've had a lot of nice weather over the past few weekends, but this weekend will have it all," says Weather Network meteorologist Doug Gillham. "Low humidity, lots of sunshine and comfortable temperatures from start to finish."
More details here:
