Storm risk builds over Maritimes as rains pad record July totals
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have seen record-shattering rains this month, and more is on the way as we close out the week
It’s been an exceptionally rainy stretch for portions of the Maritimes that could desperately use some time to dry out. Unfortunately, more rain is on the way as we head into Friday.
Hard-hit communities across Nova Scotia continue their cleanup efforts after historic weekend storms unleashed an entire summer’s worth of rain in just a couple of hours. Catastrophic flash flooding struck portions of the province after more than 250 mm of rain fell on Friday, July 21.
DON’T MISS: Nova Scotia flood catastrophe — what went wrong?
This July was the wettest on record for Saint John, New Brunswick, and without much surprise, several Maritime towns are also close to the same mark.
The chance for more rain from now until the end of the month could push rainfall totals for the city even higher and could rival the wettest month ever recorded, not just July. Currently, the wettest month on record for Saint John is from December 1964 when 306.9 mm of precipitation (rain and snow) fell over the city.
When we account only for rainfall, however, we can already say that July 2023 is not only the wettest July on record, but also the rainiest month ever recorded.
Friday
Areas: Maritimes, with a focus on New Brunswick
Timing: Through the afternoon and evening hours
Weather: Severe weather is on tap for Friday in New Brunswick. Severe storms are possible for over half of the province, with the greatest threat being in northwestern New Brunswick, where widespread strong storms will occur.
MUST SEE: Nova Scotia’s historic rains would’ve smashed records in Florida
A cold front pushing into the region will provide the spark needed for these storms to develop. The main threats in New Brunswick are going to be strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
Wind shear will also give rise to a risk for some of these severe storms to have rotation, making it possible for a tornado or two to develop.
Given the recent rainfall, there’s a risk for ponding and localized flooding beneath any thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall.
Prepare
Make sure to keep up-to-date on your local forecast information and alerts. If you are outdoors in an area with a severe weather threat, make sure you have a safety plan in place in case you need to get to shelter.
Stay close to a safe shelter in case storms threaten your location. And remember, the greatest danger in any thunderstorm is lightning. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across the Maritimes.
