Media Releases

Hurricane Fiona expected to impact Amherst and area

Environment Canada has issued a tropical cyclone information statement and a special weather statement that state hurricane Fiona is expected to bring dangerous weather conditions to Amherst and the surrounding area later this week.

The storm is expected to affect the area between Friday evening (Sept. 23, 2022, and Saturday (Sept. 24, 2022). It is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts, very high waves, coastal storm surges and intense rainfall events.

These in turn could cause flooding, power outages and road closures.

Local Emergency Management officials are urging citizens to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit and have potable water on hand. Details of what the 72-hour emergency kit should include can be found at https://www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/municipal-documents/350-disaster-preparedness-kit/file.html.

Cellphones should be charged and those with generators should ensure they are fueled and operating properly.

Should you need to use your generator, residents are reminded to operate them according to their unit’s operating manual and:

• Never use generators, barbeques or camping equipment indoors – even in your garage – because of the high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon dioxide inside the home.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY – DO NOT DELAY
• Avoid electrocution by keeping the generator dry
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling
• Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, out-door-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
• Do not overload the generator

For more tips on using a generator go to: rdcrss.org/2y8Hnlt

Due to the forecasted high winds, residents should also ensure that items that could be blown away, like barbecues, flower pots, garbage cans and outdoor tables and chairs, should be stored in a safe location out of the wind.

We encourage residents to work with your neighbours to identify people who may need extra help during this storm and to check in on them as the storm moves through the area.

Please refrain from travelling during the storm, except for emergency situations.

Municipal officials will be monitoring the storm as it develops. Town crews are on standby and prepared to respond if the need arises.

Residents should monitor local radio stations, Twitter @TownofAmherstNS and the Amherst Facebook Page for updates.