Emergency officials in New Brunswick are preparing for whatever Hurricane Dorian may bring to the province.
Forecasters are calling for up to 90 millimetres of rain and wind gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour in southern and southeastern New Brunswick.
The rain is expected to begin on Saturday morning and come to an end by Sunday morning.
Hurricane Dorian update https://t.co/1dsJdJKI7r pic.twitter.com/slwtYoRGl4
— NBEMO / OMUNB (@NBEMO_OMUNB) September 6, 2019
69 powerline technicians from NB Power are ready to assist should the lights go out and most of the crews are positioned mainly in the southeast region.
At the New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization briefing in Fredericton on Friday, spokesperson Marc Belliveau said they also have
20 vegetation crews and they are securing contractors to assist as well.
Marc Belliveau says the potential for power outages is greater in Grand Manan, St. Stephen, Rothesay, Sussex, Moncton and Bouctouche.
“Our infrastructure’s in good shape but, it can’t withstand everything all the time. When you are getting 100 kilometre an hour winds there is absolutely nothing that can fight a 50-foot tree falling on a wire.” Belliveau said.
Caution and preparedness urged ahead of storm https://t.co/F15ssVQYHA pic.twitter.com/Uw0n7MBVIB
— NBEMO / OMUNB (@NBEMO_OMUNB) September 5, 2019
Provincial EMO Director Greg MacCallum urging New Brunswickers to plan for safety in heavy rain and strong winds.
With some areas seeing a potential for 100 millimetres of rain, the effects include localized and flash flooding which can be devastating.
“If you live in an area prone to localized flooding, have an evacuation plan, think about how you and your family can stay safe or leave if necessary and go to a safe place,” MacCallum said.
MacCallum warns of bad driving conditions in heavy rain and strong winds.
He says the effects of wind are often underestimated and there is a good chance of trees in full foliage falling down and causing damage as a result.
“This is not the time for recreational boating. It’s not the time to playing on beaches. Stay well away from water courses, stay well away from coastlines.” MacCallum said.
With power outages likely, MacCallum suggests anyone with a generator should brush up on how to operate it safely.
