Municipal Affairs
December 29, 2016

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions and Storm Surges Anticipated

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on an approaching weather system. An intense low will bring rain, above average temperatures, and strong southeasterly winds to the island Friday through Friday night. High waves and storm surges could affect parts of southwestern Newfoundland during high tide Friday morning. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, high waves are expected to develop along the southwest coast of the island ahead of this system. Current guidance suggests that areas at the highest risk for impacts due to waves are low-lying coastal areas from Port aux Basques to La Poile during high tide Friday morning.

Total rainfall amounts are likely to reach 25 millimetres over much of the southern and eastern portions of the island Friday through Friday night. Total rainfall amounts near or exceeding the 40-75 millimetre range are expected over much of eastern parts of the island by Saturday afternoon, and peak rainfall rates of 5-10 millimeters per hour, are possible. A brief period of freezing rain or snow is possible over much of the island at the onset of precipitation Friday morning or afternoon, however, this is not expected to occur over the eastern region of the island.

Strong south to southeasterly winds are expected to develop over southwestern Newfoundland by early morning on Friday, spreading to the remainder of the island by Friday afternoon. Wind gusts of 70-80 kilometres per hour are expected across the island, with gusts near or exceeding 100 kilometres per hour possible along much of the coast. These high winds will likely affect ferry schedules and travel through the Wreckhouse Area on Friday. Wind gusts in the 120-140 kilometres per hour range or stronger are possible over the Wreckhouse area Friday morning and afternoon.

FES encourages residents to be cautious around coastlines and waterways during this time period. Municipalities should ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches, and drains are clear of debris, and appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services in the event the weather has a greater effect than anticipated.

Residents are reminded to follow the latest weather forecast for further alert bulletins and to take measures to ensure personal safety. More information regarding weather forecasts and warnings can be found at weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl . Information regarding general emergency preparedness is available at www.getprepared.gc.ca/ .

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Media contact:

Lynn Robinson Media Relations Manager Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-5449, 691-9466 lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2016 12 29                              10:30 a.m.