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Municipal Affairs
December 8, 2011

Public Advisory: Strong Winds and Wave Activity Anticipated

In an effort to ensure public safety during the weather system currently moving through Atlantic Canada, Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is advising residents to be cautious around waterways and coastlines along the west coast, the Northern Peninsula, and in Labrador. Residents are also strongly advised to be cautious of high winds throughout the next 24 to 48 hours.

Officials with Environment Canada are predicting strong wave activity across the island and into Labrador, and have raised the potential wind speeds to hurricane-force. In particular, western Newfoundland, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Northern Peninsula, White Bay, the Labrador coast, and the Strait of Bell Isle could see winds gusting between 150 to 170 kilometres an hour. Onshore wave activity is also predicted to be of concern, as well as storm surges, with the potential for waves reaching six to eight metres in height. It is possible wave activity offshore could extend higher than those predicted onshore.

FES-NL encourages residents to be mindful of these conditions and avoid coastal areas. Conditions may be severely hazardous and emergency management officials warn journeying close to the water to watch the storm will pose significant risk. Residents and communities are also advised to ensure any yard items or tools that may be blown around or torn away in high winds are secured to avoid potential damage.

Residents are reminded to keep attuned to the latest weather forecast for further warnings and advisories from weather experts and take measures to ensure personal safety is top priority.

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca 

2011 12 08                           12:15 p.m.

 
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