Ottawa: Hundred of people across the country are without electricity as Hurricane Fiona is moving to Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Following this, Canada’s authorities forced evacuations and leaving thousands of homes and businesses without power.
“Fiona will continue to move northeastward today and cause damaging wind, waves, and storm surge,” the Canadian Hurricane Centre said in a tweet.
Officials said that Fiona moving across the southwest coast of Newfoundland and the southeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence Region including the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Iles-de-la-Madeleine, and Prince Edward Island. Sustained hurricane force winds are occurring over marine areas near the storm centre.
At least eight people died when Fiona cut through the Caribbean.
Damaging storm surge and high waves with pounding surf are causing severe infrastructure damage along the southwest coast of Newfoundland, where Fiona is driving waves in excess of 12 metres onshore. High waves breaking near 10 metres and damaging storm surge is also occurring in Iles-de-la-Madeleine at this time.
The highest water levels are expected near high tide today, however damaging conditions may continue several hours past high tide.
“Our team continues to monitor Hurricane Fiona and the situation in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. If you live in the region, I urge you to listen to local authorities. @BillBlair is working with the provinces and we’re ready to provide support if needed. Please stay safe,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.