Wind and Rain Storm Moving Through Cape Breton

Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia residents are asked to be cautious and well prepared as a wind and rain storm that pounded mainland Nova Scotia moves eastward today, Dec. 14.

"The storm may have more rain than wind," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of the Emergency Management Office. "It is still a serious event and residents need to be careful and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

Environment Canada's forecast is predicting in excess of 130 millimetres of rainfall for some areas of Cape Breton. Winds will gust to 90 kilometres per hour into early evening, but should recede later in the evening and overnight.

Power interruptions are likely, and there may be localized flooding as the rain storm moves slowly through the area tonight and on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

The Emergency Management Office and municipal emergency management staff have been closely monitoring the situation for several days.

According to the Environment Canada forecast, the heaviest rain is expected in central Cape Breton, around the Baddeck area.

"The area is not prone to flooding, but we're keeping an eye on it," said George Muise, EMO's emergency management planning officer for the eastern region. "We have been in regular contact with local emergency workers and there are concerns about power outages."

The storm is expected to move out of Nova Scotia by Wednesday evening, followed by more moderate weather conditions.

The Emergency Management Office reminds people to exercise caution during power outages, to stay away from coastal areas during and following the storm, and to drive carefully.

The Valley area was hardest hit by the wind and rain storm, with extensive power outages and road closures as a result of tree limbs and downed power lines. A nursing home in Windsor was evacuated when it lost part of its roof and schools and offices were closed.

For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo .