Municipal
Affairs
August 23, 2009
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
- 30 -
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.
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