Hurricane Fiona hits Bermuda.Canada Prepares for Storm Rage

Rob Gillies and Danica Koto

Caguas, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Fiona turned into a tropical cyclone late Friday, but meteorologists say it could bring hurricane-strength winds, heavy rains and large waves to the Canadian Atlantic region, some of which I warned you it could be one. The most violent storm in the country’s history.

Fiona, which started the day as a Category 4 storm but weakened to Category 2 strength late Friday, was expected to make landfall in Nova Scotia early Saturday.

The Canadian Hurricane Center has issued Hurricane Watches to the vast coastal areas of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Fiona should reach the region as “a large, powerful post-tropical cyclone with hurricane gales.”

Ian Hubbard, meteorologist at the Canadian Hurricane Center in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, said: “I have no doubt it will be the most serious and terrible thing I have ever seen.”

Fiona was a Category 4 hurricane when it hit Bermuda with heavy rain and winds early Friday as it hit the island on its route to northeastern Canada. , closed schools and offices. National Security Minister Michael Weeks said there were no reports of major damage.

The US Center said Fiona had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph) late Friday. Its center was about 140 miles (220 kilometers) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, heading north at 46 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour).

Hurricane gales extended outwards up to 185 miles (295 kilometers) from the center, while tropical storm gales extended outwards up to 345 miles (555 kilometers).

Mr. Hubbard said he felt the storm weakened as it moved over cooler waters and was highly unlikely to reach land at the strength of a hurricane. One reason, he said, is that once a hurricane reaches cold water, it loses its primary source of energy. and become temperate. However, while these cyclones can still have hurricane-strength winds, they are warm in the core and cold instead of being visible. They can lose their symmetrical shape and become more like commas.

Bob Robichaux, a warning readiness meteorologist at the Canadian Hurricane Center, said the storm’s center was expected to reach Nova Scotia on Saturday morning, but that wind and rain would arrive later on Friday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “It’s headed in the wrong direction.” Until then, we recommend that you stay safe, listen to the instructions of local authorities, and stay there for the next 24 hours.”

Prince Edward Island officials have issued an emergency alert warning of severe flooding along the north coast of the state. “Immediate efforts should be made to protect belongings. Avoid coastlines. Waves are very dangerous. Residents of these areas should be prepared to relocate if necessary.” read the alert.

Nova Scotia officials sent emergency alerts to cell phones to warn of Fiona’s arrival, telling people to stay indoors, avoid beaches, charge their equipment and have enough supplies for at least 72 hours. Authorities warned of prolonged power outages, wind damage to trees and structures, coastal flooding and the possibility of roads being washed away.

Hurricane warnings were in effect from Hubbard to Brühl, Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island; Madeleine Island; Newfoundland from Parsons Pond to François;

Fiona is believed to have killed at least five people, two in Puerto Rico, two in the Dominican Republic and one in Guadeloupe, France.

People from Atlantic Canada were stocking up on last-minute essentials and weathering their property the Friday before their arrival.

At the boatyard of Samsons Enterprises in the small Acadia community of Petite de Grat on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, Jordan David was helping his friend Kyle Boudreau tie up Boudreau’s lobster boat, Bad Influence. Wind.

“All we can do is try and do the best we can. Something’s going to come and we just don’t know how bad it will be yet,” said David, wearing outdoor waterproof gear.

Kyle Boudreau said he was worried. “This is our livelihood. Our boats are wrecked, our traps are wrecked…things that don’t need to start next season,” he said.

Aidan Sampson said he had been working 11 hours a day at his father-in-law’s shipyard for the past week getting fishing boats out of the water.

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center said newly formed Tropical Storm Ian in the Caribbean will continue to intensify, hitting Cuba as a hurricane early Tuesday morning and expected to hit southern Florida early Wednesday.

Its center was about 385 miles (625 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica late Friday. The maximum sustained wind was 40 mph (65 kph), traveling WNW at 12 mph (19 kph). A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cayman Islands.

Before arriving in Bermuda, Fiona caused severe flooding and devastation in Puerto Rico, and President Joe Biden said Thursday that the federal government is ready to help restore US territory.

Puerto Rico’s Governor Pedro Pierluisi has activated the National Guard to help distribute diesel fuel to hospitals and supermarkets. The military also supplies generators used to operate drinking water plants and communication towers. Hundreds of people remained stranded by blocked roads.

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Gillies reported from Toronto. Contributed by Associated Press journalist Maricarmen Rivera Sanchez in San Juan, Puerto Rico.