NLIS 12
September 16, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
Adverse weather conditions
expected from Tropical Storm Ophelia
The Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures
(NLEMO) has been advised by Environment Canada that the province could be
affected by adverse weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia which is
expected to pass over the Burin Peninsula and just north of St. John's Sunday
evening and Monday morning. If this track holds the south coast, central
Newfoundland and the east coast could see heavy rainfall, 30 to 50 mm of rain
are expected for this area, with a possibility of up to 100 mm in localized
areas.
Latest forecasts indicate that high winds are expected over the Burin, Bonavista
and Avalon Peninsulas, the heaviest seas are anticipated along the south coast
of the Avalon and in particular in Placentia Bay, Trepassey Bay and St. Mary's
Bay. Gusts could be around 100 km/hr.
Please note that the forecast track and storm intensity may change over the
course of the next two days. The public is advised to monitor forecasts closely
throughout the weekend.
Given the impacts of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf coast
of the US and closer to home during 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 and high winds and seas. The public should be listening for updated
forecasts and act accordingly.
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;
- ure 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;
- Should you become aware of downed power
lines, do not touch but advise your utility company immediately;
- Municipalities are advised to ensure that
all measures such as the clearing of 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. NLEMO is maintaining close contact
with Environment Canada to monitor the progress of these weather systems.
For more weather information specific to your area contact the following
websites. In the St.John's area call 772-5534.
Canadian Hurricane Centre
//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
Satellite Imagery
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/satellite/animateweb_e.html?imagetype=
www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/track_e.html
2005 09 16
4:00 p.m. |