Halifax under wind, storm surge warning as Nova Scotia braces for Hurricane Teddy

HALIFAX – The Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, including the Halifax area, is now under storm surge and wind warnings as the region braces for Hurricane Teddy.

A tropical storm watch and special weather statement have also been issued for the region.

As of 9 a.m. AT, Hurricane Teddy was about 210 kilometres southeast of Bermuda.

Environment Canada says it’s still too early to know the specifics, but the storm is expected to bring tropical storm-force winds to parts of Nova Scotia by Tuesday.

“Thereafter it is expected to transition to a large and intense post-tropical storm as it brings heavy rain, strong winds and heavy pounding surf to much of the Maritimes and southern Newfoundland,” Environment Canada says.

The national forecaster says northeasterly wind gusts could reach 90 km/h along parts of the coast.

“Another period of strong winds is possible Wednesday morning over easternmost sections of Nova Scotia as Teddy makes its closest approach to the province,” Environment Canada says.

Those high winds could damage buildings, including roof shingles and windows. High winds could also carry away any loose objects and break tree branches.

In anticipation of the storm, Nova Scotia Power has urged locals to prepare for any potential outages by charging devices and getting an emergency kit together.

Significant rainfall is also possible, especially north and west of the track, which as of Monday morning includes central and eastern Nova Scotia.

Some areas are also warned about very large waves as well as rough and pounding surf.

“On Tuesday morning 3-4 metre waves at the coast will build to 7-9 metres late in the day, with waves breaking higher along parts of the coast,” says Environment Canada. “The high waves will persist into the overnight period. Outside of the times for high tide there is still a threat for very large waves, rough and pounding surf, and local overwash.”

There’s still some uncertainty when it comes to just where exactly Hurricane Teddy will make landfall.

“When people see the storm track on our website, that’s certainly not set in stone,” said the Canadian Hurricane Centre’s Ian Hubbard. “It’s important to realize the yellow cone that surrounds that track, that our cone of error. That track could be anywhere within that yellow cone by the time it gets up here.”

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