Topic: Slow-moving storm system drenches Atlantic Canada

Code: [Select]

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111005/atlantic-canada-storm-system-111005/
A slow-moving storm system is pounding Atlantic Canada with lashing rains and heavy winds that officials warn could create the risk of coastal flooding in some areas.

The storm has already soaked parts of southwestern Nova Scotia with close to 100 millimetres of rain falling in some locations since Tuesday evening.

A rainfall warning remains in effect through central and northern Nova Scotia as the storm system moves towards Prince Edward Island and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Environment Canada meteorologist Mel Lemmon warns that the storm system also packs heavy winds, which could stir storm surges in coastal areas such as the Northumberland Strait between Nova Scotia and P.E.I.

"It's actually a very slow-moving system and that's part of the reason why the storm surge is going to be an issue," Lemmon told The Canadian Press on Wednesday.

"There's going to be lots of time for the wind to generate waves and build up."

Storm surge warnings are in effect for Prince Edward Island, parts of Nova Scotia, as well as in Moncton and southeastern New Brunswick.

Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Office warned residents to expect higher than normal water levels and encouraged people living in coastal areas to take appropriate measures to protect their personal property in the event of localized flooding.

CTV Atlantic meteorologist Tina Simpkin said that the winds could be as strong as 80 km/h to 100 km/h by the time the storm system reaches Newfoundland later today.

The inclement weather prompted the Crown-owned Marine Atlantic to cancel all of its Nova Scotia-Newfoundland ferry services until Thursday.

Local ferry services in Nova Scotia's Lunenberg and Victoria counties were also suspended Wednesday due to dangerous conditions on the water.

Air travellers were advised that the weather could cause delays when catching flights or travelling to airports in Halifax, Charlottetown and Moncton.