Public Advisory: Update on Hurricane Bill

Environment Canada has recently issued wind and tropical storm warnings for portions of the island of Newfoundland in relation to Hurricane Bill.

At 12:30 p.m. NDT the centre of Hurricane Bill was located approximately 150 kilometres south-southwest of Halifax with maximum sustained winds near 140 kilometres per hour. It was moving northeast at 55 kilometres per hour.

Although Hurricane Bill is expected to weaken below hurricane strength after it passes Nova Scotia this afternoon, it is expected to make landfall over southeastern Newfoundland tonight as a strong tropical storm. Winds of 70 kilometres per hour, gusting to 100 with possible gusts to 120 along parts of the coast are expected in the areas near and south of Hurricane Bill's track.

Heavy rains are expected to move into western Newfoundland this afternoon and spread eastward tonight. Amounts of 60 to 80 millimetres with locally higher amounts of up to 140 millimetres are forecast. The rain will end for most regions overnight and in the morning for eastern sections.

Strong south to southwesterly winds will develop to the south of the track of Hurricane Bill tonight with gusts possibly reaching 120 kilometres per hour along exposed areas of the coast over the Burin and Avalon peninsulas. Strong north to northeasterlies are forecast to develop to the north of Hurricane Bill's track early Monday morning with coastal gusts reaching up to 100 kilometres per hour near Clarenville and over the Bonavista Peninsula. Winds will diminish during the day on Monday over all areas as the remnants of Hurricane Bill moves away from the island.

A combination of storm surge and heavy surf is expected along the southern Newfoundland coast with Hurricane Bill. A storm surge watch is in effect for Placentia Bay and the southern Burin Peninsula. Residents should keep a safe distance from the coastline as waves and surges may be very dangerous at times.

Residents should note that with the forecasted rainfall amounts over such a short period of time there may be a strong possibility of flooding. Normal precautions should be taken immediately to ensure family, friends, homes and businesses are safe, including compiling an emergency kit.

Some other important tips to remember include:

• Ensure all drains are free from debris, clean out window and door wells, close all windows etc.;
• 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;
• Ensure that sump pumps are working;
• 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;
• Should you become aware of downed power lines, do not touch them, but advise Newfoundland Power immediately; and,
• Municipalities are advised to ensure that all storm sewers, culverts, bridges, drains, etc. are free from debris; and,
• Property owners should advise their municipal officials if they become aware of excessive flooding on streets or blocked drains or culverts.

Residents who know of neighbours who live alone are asked to check on a regular basis to ensure they are safe. If a household includes a person with mobility issues, medical conditions, children or other special needs, remember to plan for their specific requirements. As well, residents should ensure that pets normally kept outdoors are safe from the wind and rain.

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador also wishes to advise municipalities holding elections in September to ensure campaign signage and outdoor campaign materials are secure. These signs pose a hazard and have the potential to inflict significant damage to persons and property if they are to become loose on account of the wind.

If an emergency requiring assistance occurs, residents are reminded to contact their local fire department and/or police for assistance. Should flooding occur, residents should contact their municipality as well as the fire department and police. Communities who become unable to cope with local emergencies may contact Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador at the 24 hour emergency line.

Residents and officials should write down the following emergency numbers:

• Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador � 709-729-3703
• RCMP � 1-800-709-7267 or 709-772-5400
• Newfoundland Power - 1-800-474-5711 or 1-888-491-5066
• Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro � 1-888-764-9376

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador staff remain on standby throughout the province and will continue to monitor Hurricane Bill closely and issue public advisories as required over the next 24 hours.

Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution as the weather system approaches and passes over Newfoundland.

The most up-to-date hurricane track can be found at: weatheroffice.gc.ca/hurricane/track_e.html.

For more preparedness information, please visit www.ma.gov.nl.ca/ma/fes/EPW2009RKG.htm or www.getprepared.ca

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Media contact:

Bradley Power

Public Relations Specialist

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador

709-729-0857, 697-5216

bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2009 08 23                       2:35 p.m.