High winds bring widespread power outages in Atlantic Canada Monday
Warnings are widespread for a strong storm hitting Atlantic Canada Monday, with heavy rain and powerful winds likely causing numerous disruptions and widespread outages
A powerful storm sweeping the East Coast is certainly packing a punch Monday. While heavy rain will persist in some areas, it's the winds that are causing the most disruptions.
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Winds will pick up throughout the day, and peak into the afternoon and evening hours, with power outages, tree damage, and the potential for objects blowing around all expected during the high winds.
As of Monday evening more than 45,000 Nova Scotia Power customers had no power, and almost 31,000 customers in New Brunswick are in the dark. In P.E.I., around 6,000 customers have no electricity.
As well, Confederation Bridge in P.E.I. has had restrictions imposed and all Northumberland Ferries crossings have been cancelled, CBC News reported.
Residents are urged to keep electronic devices charged in case the power goes out on Monday.
Monday night: Rain and winds threaten disruptions, outages
Rainfall rates picked up across Nova Scotia and P.E.I. through Monday evening.
A widespread 10-30 mm of rain is expected, though with locally heavier amounts forecast. This Texas low has pulled up copious amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, with up to 80 mm of rain expected for parts of central New Brunswick, while eastern sections may receive between 30-50 mm. Flooding is possibly in low lying areas.
Winds largely arrive after the rain during the day Monday, which is when we’ll see the issues stack up across the region.
The greatest risk for wind damage and power outages will exist along the coast where 110 km/h gusts are possible, including the Bay of Fundy shores and along Nova Scotia’s southern coast.
This covers the communities of Saint John, Yarmouth, and the Halifax area.
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Tree damage and power outages are likely given the coverage and intensity of the winds expected across the Maritimes.
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Residents were urged to ensure any outdoor holiday decorations were well-secured or brought inside. Inflatable characters and lightweight decor can take flight in winds half this strong, potentially causing damage, injuries, or even car accidents.
Remain mindful of large trees or tree limbs looming over homes, roads, and driveways, and take care to avoid those areas during the highest winds. Most wind-related injuries are caused by trees falling into buildings or vehicles.
On Monday, Saint John, N.B., recorded a 104 km/h wind gust –– its strongest December gust since 2019. Greenwood, N.S., documented a 102 km/h wind gust.
We'll see the winds calm down Monday overnight, though conditions will remain blustery across Newfoundland into Tuesday.
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Extremely mild air spans the region
The powerful southerly winds ripping into the area will drag plenty of mild air in from the south. We’ll see daytime highs across most of the Maritimes soar into the mid-teens during the day Monday. But the warm-up won’t last long.
Of note, is that Greenwood and Cheticamp, N.S., exceeded 18°C on Monday.
Temperatures will cool abruptly behind the cold front, bringing along a wind chill that’ll make it feel even cooler. Conditions will remain around or just below seasonal for the remainder of the week.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across Atlantic Canada.