Municipal Affairs and Environment
August 17, 2017

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions Anticipated

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on Hurricane Gert, an approaching system that is expected to track well offshore, southeast of the Island of Newfoundland today.

Amounts of 25 to 50 mm of rain are forecast over portions of eastern and northern Newfoundland today. Long period swells from Gert will reach two to four metres along south-facing coastlines later today. The highest waves are anticipated to be along the southern Avalon Peninsula, and these swells could also lead to dangerous rip currents.

Members of the public are advised to use caution if they are swimming or using small boats along the coastline. Significant wave heights of three to five metres are expected over the Grand Banks this afternoon.

Hurricane Gert may cause a series of rapid changes in water levels in harbours and inlets from the Avalon Peninsula north to Trinity Bay between late afternoon into this evening. High tide occurs late this afternoon for most areas, and there is a risk for minor flooding near and after high tide.

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   www.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
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

 

2017 08 17                                                                2:15 p.m.