Atlantic's new Subtropical Storm Josephine will impact Canada's East Coast
Subtropical Storm Josephine is now in play for an impact on parts of Atlantic Canada after its upgrade from a nor'easter. The storm is anticipated to bring widespread winds and rainy conditions, particularly for parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
Atlantic Canada may be in for a rough second half of the week, with forecasters keeping a close eye on the the newly minted Subtropical Storm Josephine.
The subtropical storm, between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, has been meandering up Eastern Seaboard this week as a nor'easter. It is now a subtropical storm. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Josephine should move away from the United States and remain south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
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However, the storm will swipe southern Atlantic Canada with potent wind gusts, heavy rainfall, snowfall and three- to five-metre waves along the coastal areas, elevating the risk of flooding.
How has it changed into a subtropical storm?
The storm brought impacts to the U.S. East coast early this week as a nor’easter.
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Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is docked in Halifax after originally being scheduled for a warm-weather Bahamas and Florida trip. The ship had to be rerouted north due to the now-Josephine off the U.S. East Coast. It's expected to depart from Canadian waters Thursday evening.
How has it changed into a subtropical storm?
The system originated along a long, frontal boundary, meaning it was influenced by warm ocean heat and air mass temperature differences. This, along with its track, contributed to impactful, northeasterly winds, giving the storm the the nor’easter title.
On Wednesday, something interesting happened. The low broke off from the frontal boundary, but continued to strengthen. It was no longer fuelled by temperature contrasts, but instead, became self-sustaining with warm, oceanic waters as its pressure continued to drop.
This notable change in the storm’s development has altered its name from a nor’easter to Subtropical Storm Josephine.
Unlike tropical storms, subtropical storms are hybrid systems that derive energy from both warm ocean waters and air mass temperature differences.
Atlantic Canada impacts
The subtropical storm will continue to strengthen into Friday, with Category 1-strength winds expected offshore.
Rain begins across Nova Scotia on Thursday morning, moving east and reaching Cape Breton by the overnight. Rain will continues Friday morning.
Amounts of 20-50+mm are possible, with the heaviest in the southeastern sections.
The rain bands reach southeastern Newfoundland late Thursday, persisting through late Friday.
Amounts of 20-50+mm are possible, with the heaviest in the southeastern corner.
Cold air wraps behind the storm, leading to a chance for rain-snow mix at times in central Newfoundland and the Burin Peninsula through Friday.
Aside from the rain and possible snow, the other impact with this system forecasters are watching for is the wind, especially across Newfoundland.
Winds will pick up in the Maritimes late on Thursday, peaking Friday morning, with 50-90 km/h gusts possible. The highest will be along Nova Scotia’s south coast.
Wind gusts pick up for Newfoundland Friday morning, intensifying through the day. Gusts of 70-100 km/h are possible, locally higher for the southeastern coast.
With the strong winds will also come a risk of coastal flooding, as wave heights and swells could reach 3-5 metres.
Widespread power outages and tree damage are also possible.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest updates and information on your forecast across Atlantic Canada.