Potent fall storm takes last swipe at Atlantic Canada
theweathernetwork.com
Friday, October 30, 2015, 12:24 PM - The tail end of a wet weather system fueled by abundant moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Patricia is making its way across Atlantic Canada, hitting Newfoundland with heavy rain and fierce winds Friday.
After the classic fall weather system moved through southern Ontario and Quebec on Wednesday, the storm is set to close out the week in eastern Canada. The storm hit the Maritimes early Thursday before moving into Newfoundland.
Rainfall and wind warnings have been dropped for Newfoundland, while special weather statements remain in place in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for elevated coastal waters after Thursday's heavy rain combined with high tides.
The fall storm stifled travel plans as it tracked across the east. On Thursday, travel restrictions were put in place for bridge and ferry crossings across the Atlantic provinces. Officials advised drivers and pedestrians to take extra precaution on slick streets and avoid attempting to drive through standing waters.
As westerly winds reached gale force strength, people are reminded to charge their mobile devices in the event of power outages. More than 50,000 people were without power in Quebec Thursday evening, after strong winds sent a tree toppling onto power lines on Pie-IX street in Montreal.
The system is taking a final swipe at Newfoundland, before it tracks out to sea by the weekend.
Here's what you need to know.
Atlantic Canada
Wind gusts could climb as high as 100 km/h through Friday evening, at their strongest in western Newfoundland. Off-and-on showers will persist through Friday morning, with heaviest rainfall totals of up to 20 mm expected through the Avalon. A bright spot in an otherwise messy day is a return to warmer temperatures with a daytime high of 16C for St. John's.
Halloween forecast: Conditions will be cool but fair across Atlantic Canada on Saturday. The Maritimes should be largely dry with Newfoundland at the biggest risk of seeing precipitation Saturday. "We're not expecting any significant precipitation on Halloween, but there could be lingering showers in some places," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.
Recap of eastern Canada's classic fall storm
Southern Ontario
The storm completely moves out of the region after a few lake-effect showers Friday morning, but temperatures feel noticeably cooler as a cold front pushes in and the fall system pushes out of the region.
Before making its exit, this messy storm drenched the region. At least 16 people were struck by cars on the streets of Toronto Wednesday morning, though none of the collisions were fatal or serious. An average of six pedestrians are hit by cars on a typical day in Toronto.
Halloween forecast: An extra layer of clothing likely won't be necessary for children in southern Ontario this year. By Friday, temperatures will return to seasonal. However, there is a chance of showers Saturday evening in southern Ontario, so heading out early may be your best bet for trick-or-treating.
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