Hurricane Earl Update Bulletin, Sept. 4

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE–Hurricane Earl Update Bulletin, Sept. 4

The Emergency Management Office is reporting the following activity as a result of Hurricane Earl:

• The hurricane is rapidly changing and evolving. It is currently a confirmed Category 1 hurricane.
• Environment Canada has reported that the hurricane made landfall in Nova Scotia near the Shelburne-Queens counties boundary, around 85 kilometre south-west of Lunenburg.
• Hurricane is expected to reach the eastern shore and New Glasgow this afternoon, and Cape Breton later in the day.
• Nova Scotia Power is reporting outages, which are consistent with the track of the storm.
• If experiencing a power outage, call Nova Scotia Power at 1-800-428-6230 or 428-6230 in Halifax.
• EMO urges people to call 911 to report an emergency.
• Downed trees and branches are reported, and HRM crews have been deployed to remove those on roads.
• Traffic is being directed in some areas.
• There is potential for hydroplaning on Highway 102.
• Route 333 in Upper Tantallon is closed, and power lines are down in that area.
• RCMP are closing Highway 207 in vicinity of Lawrencetown Beach, as water levels are cresting to the road.
• Beaches are closed and are being manned by the RCMP.
• Road closures are in effect in Peggy's Cove, open to local traffic only.
• No infrastructure damage reported.
• The MacKay bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles.
• The pedestrian/cyclist walkway is restricted on the McDonald bridge.
• All HRM recreation centres are closed.
• Flights are being affected at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. People are advised to check with airlines, or visit the airport website at www.hiaa.com .
• The hurricane watch has ended for Digby. Early reports indicate no significant damage in the area. Reports will continue to come in the hours and days to come.
• Hurricane warnings have now extended into Guysborough County. The track appears to be heading toward Halifax-Eastern shore.