TANTRAMAR – As a result of the storm currently impacting the Tantramar Region, the Village of Port Elgin’s emergency measures coordinator, Terry Murphy, is warning of a potential storm surge similar to the one that caused extensive damage in the region in 2010.
“As EMO for Port Elgin, I would like to make the residents of Port Elgin aware that there is a possibility of higher than normal tides tonight after midnight and again tomorrow afternoon,” he warned in a Facebook post.
“Residents on Station Street and Main Street and Shemogue Road should keep a close eye and be prepared to leave their residences in a few minutes notice. Preparation is awareness. Same wind, tide and times as 2010 surge.”
– Terry Murphy
Today’s storm is also leading other emergency services providers to issue statements to area residents.
Sackville Fire & Rescue issued a statement: “As the first winter storm of 2018 heads our way today please remember:
– Do not travel unless absolutely necessary;
– Have Extra Water on hand and ready for use;
- Change the batteries in flashlights as candles are not recommended in a power outage;
– Check batteries and proper function of all smoke detectors;
– If you use a generator ensure it is placed outside, away from the home, as generator exhausts emit carbon monoxide.
Ambulance NB is also urging residents to stay at home if possible.
“Help keep emergency services safe by staying off the roads during a storm. Only call 911 during an emergency.
NB Power is actively monitoring the weather forecast for today and Friday, Jan. 4 and 5, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall and high winds throughout the province.
In preparation for potential weather-related power outages, NB Power has secured 13 additional contractor crews in Miramichi, Fredericton and Moncton to support its regular complement of resources across the province. About 13 crews will be available to respond overnight to priority calls like hospitals and nursing homes.
New Brunswickers are reminded to have everything they need for at least 72 hours following a storm. This includes preparing an emergency kit for home and car; knowing what to do during power outages; and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency. An emergency kit should include food, water, batteries, battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies and any special items such as prescriptions, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities.
If you do experience an outage during the storm, please report it at 1-800-663-6272. In the event of outages, we encourage New Brunswickers to follow NB Power on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
Environment Canada’s latest update for the region warns the winter storm will continue throughout tonight and into Friday.
“This very intense storm will track near the Bay of Fundy tonight and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence Friday morning.
“Snow at times heavy and blowing snow will develop near noon across southern New Brunswick and will spread to northern regions this afternoon. The snow will change to a mixture of freezing rain and ice pellets and finally to rain over easternmost regions this evening. Total snowfall amounts of 25 to 45 centimetres are expected. Rainfall amounts of up to 10 millimetres can be expected for regions east of a line extending from Bathurst to Grand Lake Thursday night. Parts of the Fundy region however will see higher rainfall totals with anywhere from 20 to 30 millimetres expected.
“Northeasterly winds will steadily increase today ahead of the storm, likely gusting between 70 to 90 km/h late in the day giving reduced visibilities in blowing snow. Winds will shift to strong northwesterlies early Friday.
“These very strong northeast winds will result in higher than normal water levels and this could lead to some minor coastal flooding along east to northeast-facing coastlines of eastern and northern New Brunswick during high tide late today and this evening, and again with the next high tide near dawn Friday. Ice rafting may also occur with increasing easterly winds near high tide.
“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Road closures are possible.”
For a ongoing updates on area closures, visit the Sackville Tribune-Post Facebook page.
