Adverse weather conditions expected from Tropical Storms Gaston and Hermine

The Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization (NLEMO) has been advised by Environment Canada that the province could be affected by adverse weather conditions caused by tropical storms Gaston and Hermine. Gaston is expected to pass south east of the Avalon Peninsula on Wednesday, with 30 to 40 mm of rain expected for this area with potentially higher amounts on the Southern Avalon. There are no heavy rainfall warnings for Newfoundland and Labrador at this time (the criterion for a heavy rainfall warning is 50 mm). Hermine is expected to track through the Gulf of St. Lawrence today and tonight. Approximately 30 mm of rain is expected with this system by tonight over the west coast and Northern Peninsula with lesser amounts further east and over southeastern Labrador. Environment Canada advises that neither system is expect to generate significant winds.

Given the impacts of recent events such as Hurricane Gabrielle in September 2001, the flooding in Badger in February 2003, flooding on the west coast in March 2003, as well as the damages in Nova Scotia caused by Hurricane Juan which resulted in millions of dollars in damage and great personal loss, the general public are advised to take appropriate actions to mitigate against possible damage.

Municipalities, home and business owners and fish harvesters are advised to take every precaution to prevent damages that could be caused by any potential flooding.

Some steps to follow are:

• Ensure all drains are free from debris, clean out window and door wells, close all windows etc.;
• Ensure that sump pumps are working;
• Keep items such as lawn furniture and ladders out of the wind;
• Secure exposed fishing gear, and both commercial boats and pleasure craft;
• Remove, in a safe manner, dead tree branches from trees that could pose a hazard.
• Ensure that cell phones are charged and that you have fresh batteries for a portable radio should the power go out;
• Should basement flooding occur, ensure that the power is shut off at the main breaker before stepping into water. Care should be taken to prevent electrocution. If you are unsure call a licensed electrician;
• Property owners should advise their municipal officials if they become aware of excessive flooding on streets or blocked drains or culverts;0
• Should you become aware of downed power lines, do not touch these, but advise Newfoundland Power immediately;
• Municipalities are advised to ensure that all storm sewers, culverts, bridges, drains, etc. are free from debris and that emergency personal are available should the need arise.

All residents are advised to use caution in undertaking theses preventative measures, and listen to updated forecasts. NLEMO is maintaining close contact with Environment Canada to monitor the progress of these weather systems.

For further weather information the public should view the noted Web sites:

Canadian Hurricane Centre links:

•  //www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/track_e.html
•  //www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/statements_e.html
       

Radar Imagery

• St. John's: //www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/radar/index_e.html?id=WTP
• Corner Brook: //www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/radar/index_e.html?id=XME

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications (709) 729-1983 or (709)682-6593

2004 08 31                   4:00 p.m.