Southern N.S. Wary of Storm Surge As Forecasters Predict Heavy Rain, Wind

HALIFAX (CP) – Forecasters are warning of storm surges along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast as a nor’easter continues to move into southern and central portions of the province.

The storm system is expected to move eastward across Nova Scotia Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to many areas. Environment Canada says the combination of higher water levels and pounding surf could create localized flooding and cause damage to coastal structures from Yarmouth to Halifax counties.

Up to 100 millimetres of rain is in the forecast for areas including Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties, with lesser amounts in the west.

Winds gusting up to 90 kilometres an hour are expected in southwestern Nova Scotia and western Cape Breton, but forecasters say some exposed areas could be hit with wind gusts as strong as 120 kilometres an hour.

In Shelburne County, residents reported a few flooded basements, power outages and trees down across roads.

There was some damage to wharves and jettys exposed to the strong northeast winds, and a few schools were closed Tuesday because of lack of electricity.

Don Bower, the local Emergency Measures spokesman, says coastal areas didn’t experience much of a storm surge during high tide last night.

The tide is expected to crest again Tuesday around 9 p.m.