Flooding tropical downpours, storms to batter the Maritimes Monday
Localized flooding is possible beneath storms and tropical downpours on Monday
A surge of tropical moisture flowing north thanks to Hurricane Ernesto will fuel a risk for thunderstorms and torrential downpours across a wide portion of the Maritimes through Monday.
Keep an eye on the radar as you go about your day, and stay alert for the potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas.
DON’T MISS: Ernesto's soaking rains, high surf to impact Newfoundland through Monday
Hurricane Ernesto swirled about 800 km south of Halifax on Sunday evening as it steadily made its way north through the western Atlantic Ocean.
While the storm will remain safely away from Nova Scotia, only bringing direct impacts to southeastern Newfoundland, folks still feel the influence of the storm in terms of tropical moisture.
Excess moisture throughout the atmosphere flowing north with the hurricane will spread over the Maritimes to begin the week. This vast reserve of tropical moisture will serve as a reservoir for thunderstorms to tap into and wring out in the form of torrential downpours.
The greatest threat for heavy rainfall will exist over Nova Scotia’s eastern shores, including the Halifax Regional Metro and north toward Cape Breton. We could see heavy thunderstorms push as far west as Prince Edward Island and far eastern New Brunswick.
Rainfall amounts will vary greatly throughout the day Monday, largely due to how the storms interact with Ernesto's tropical moisture.
Storms will also be very slow-moving, so communities that experience these bursts of heavy rain could quickly see localized flooding in vulnerable areas. Some places could see multiple downpours of up to 30 mm.
Remember that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Never try to drive across a flooded roadway. It’s impossible to tell how deep the water is until it’s too late.
A significant risk for rip currents will also remain an issue along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic shorelines. Rip currents are a common and deadly hazard for beachgoers.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across the Maritimes.