ENVR Wild weather in Nova Scotia today
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CGTech
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Nova Scotia·Updated
Duration1:10
Two searches are underway in Nova Scotia for four people, including two children, who are unaccounted for after the vehicles they were riding in became submerged in floodwaters in West Hants. RCMP Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay says several others in the vehicles were able to escape.
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The latest:
Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said two separate searches started early Saturday at the height of the storm.
"Two children are unaccounted for in relation to an incident in West Hants where a vehicle they were travelling in was submerged," Tremblay said Saturday afternoon.
"Three of the five occupants known to have been in that vehicle were able to escape."
A man and a youth are also missing after the vehicle they were in was submerged. Two of the four occupants of that vehicle were rescued.
Tremblay said RCMP are not revealing the exact locations of the searches because they don't want people interfering with the organized search teams.
"The search continues for four loved ones and good people are working hard to find them. We pray for their safe return," he said.
There are no other reports of missing persons, said police.
Much of central Nova Scotia, including areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality, has been dealing with severe flooding and impassable roads Saturday after torrential downpours swamped much of the province overnight Friday.
A state of emergency is now in effect for the HRM, West Hants, East Hants, Queens County and Lunenburg County, said Houston.
An emergency alert had been sent out to cellphones in the area at 3:41 a.m. AT. The nearby dam was also at risk of breaching.
Windsor and West Hants Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian says that as of Saturday morning, the dam is no longer at risk.
"Thankfully it is under control, they relieved some water from that dam and we've got most of the area evacuated now," he said.
Just before 3 p.m., a new emergency alert said people could return home if safe to do so, but asked them to "remain vigilant."
It said the Avon River Hydro System is still experiencing high water levels, and some roads in the area remain flooded.
People affected by the flooding can go to the Falmouth Elementary School.
Zebian said there have been lots of washouts in the area and that some roads are still completely submerged.
"We'll keep on watching the water levels and keep on draining that dam, and keep on moving forward trying to get more road networks cleared up and opened up."
Duration1:39
Overnight rain caused flooding and damage across Nova Scotia, where thousands remain without power.
Anyone in the area who is still in need of emergency help evacuating should call 911, Zebian said.
Residents were told overnight to evacuate to the Brooklyn Civic Centre at 995 Highway 215, Newport, while a later alert said evacuees can also use the Windsor Civic Centre at 78 Thomas St., Windsor.
The South West Hants Fire Hall on Highway 114 on Chester Road is also open, Zebian said.
He said resources are stretched, but as the day continues, crews will continue to work to complete all necessary evacuations and keep monitoring the dam.
Windsor, located in Hants County, is about 60 kilometres northwest of downtown Halifax.
Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay told CBC News early Saturday that RCMP are helping with evacuations at Smileys provincial park campground, which is fairly close to the dam.
Tremblay said if people near the dam are not able to flee, they should call 911 for help.
According to the RCMP, Highway 101 is now closed at exit 3 in Upper Sackville.
Halifax has also been caught in the deluge, with Halifax Regional Police warning that multiple roads are closed to all traffic. They include:
Cars are seen abandoned on Highway 101 outside of Halifax late Friday, after torrential downpours flooded the area. (Frank Inrig/CBC)
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Police also warned early Saturday that the storm has left rocks, gravel and other debris on roads throughout the region. They also said a number of vehicles that had been abandoned on flooded roads were towed.
"A large number of vehicles also remain in flooded parking lot and on private properties."
In a release Saturday morning, the Halifax Regional Municipality advised drivers and pedestrians to stay off roads due to unsafe conditions.
"Numerous roads are washed out and remain closed due to flooding. There are abandoned cars on roads and highways causing dangerous conditions. There is a significant amount of damage," the city said.
Duration1:06
Windsor and West Hants Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian describes the torrential rain that hit Nova Scotia overnight and led to an evacuation order for people living near the St. Croix River system.
Emergency flooding calls can be directed to Halifax Water at 902-420-9287, while damage to infrastructure an roads can be reported by calling 311 or emailing hrm_emo@halifax.ca.
A map of roads blocked due to flooding is available here.
The municipality has opened a comfort centre at the East Dartmouth Community Centre for residents dealing with power outages and flooding. It will stay open overnight.
About 750 people were evacuated from their homes overnight, and 150 people have needed support thus far, Savage said.
Those travelling on Halifax Transit can expect significant delays and detours, said the HRM, and updates will be provided on Twitter and on the city's website.
Duration0:55
Homes and roads have been damaged in the Windsor area of Nova Scotia after torrential downpours swamped the province overnight.
Savage acknowledged that the last few months have been challenging in the province.
"We've had own little tour of Armageddon," he said. "We had the horrific wildfires at the end of May into June and now we have flooding, so it seems like all the plagues are hitting us."
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon said this "is a historic flood event for Nova Scotia."
Preliminary estimates show up to 250 mm of rain fell in some areas as of 6 a.m., Snoddon said, adding that in the Halifax area, it appears to be the heaviest rainfall event since 1971.
More rain is expected to fall Saturday evening.
As of 4 p.m., power had been restored to 90 per cent of these customers.
"Our crews are working and navigating the flooded roads to try and get power back on as quickly and safely as possible," said Matt Drover, NSP's storm lead at its emergency operation centre.
Drover said the HRM and the western part of the province's south shore got hit the hardest by the lightning.
Many roads are completely impassable, he said, and crews are working with the province's Emergency Management Office to safely navigate around them.
Drover expects power to be restored to most customers by late tonight or tomorrow morning.
Storms of this nature are only becoming more common, he noted.
"Hurricane Fiona was only last year, so not even a year ago, and also the wildfires are recent as well," said Drover.
"We have seen on our system, definitely more frequency and more intense storms than we ever have before"
"The four-river systems of concern are the Mersey [River], St. Margaret's Bay, Fall River and the Avon River systems," said David Pickles, the utility's chief operating officer. "We are coordinating with both local and provincial EMO partners to ensure the safety of surrounding homes and communities."
Halifax District RCMP are advising motorists to stay home due to bad weather and say there have been multiple reports of local flooding on Hammonds Plains Road, Lucasville Road, Sackville Cross Road, and parts of Sackville Drive and Beaverbank Road.
"Right now, the best thing people can do is stay home, monitor weather and news reports and check in on your neighbours who may need assistance," said Premier Tim Houston in a release Saturday afternoon.
The province says a full assessment of damage won't be possible until the floodwaters recede.
The Canadian National Railway (CN) shut down a section of its track near Halifax on Friday evening, a spokesperson for the company confirmed. CN said its inspecting the track and making repairs, and it will be reopened as soon as crews have finished their work.
The closing ceremony for the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax set for Friday was cancelled, though there are a few events remaining on the schedule for Saturday.
The Halifax Pride parade, set for Sunday, has also been postponed.
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4 people missing in Nova Scotia after vehicles became submerged in floodwaters
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Organized searches are underway; state of emergency in effect
Andrew Sampson, John Mazerolle · CBC News · Posted: Jul 21, 2023 5:37 PM ADT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
4 people missing in N.S. after widespread flooding
3 hours agoDuration1:10
Two searches are underway in Nova Scotia for four people, including two children, who are unaccounted for after the vehicles they were riding in became submerged in floodwaters in West Hants. RCMP Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay says several others in the vehicles were able to escape.
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The latest:
- Four people missing after vehicles became submerged in floodwaters
- Evacuation order for Fancy Lake area in Lunenburg County
- Evacuation order lifted for people living near St. Croix River system
- Risk of St. Croix dam breach now 'under control,' says mayor
- Rainfall warning for most of Nova Scotia — with more expected later, Environment Canada says.
- Officials warn of flooding on several highways throughout province; multiple roads closed in Halifax
- If the power or data on your device is low, get your storm updates on text-only CBC Lite.
Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said two separate searches started early Saturday at the height of the storm.
"Two children are unaccounted for in relation to an incident in West Hants where a vehicle they were travelling in was submerged," Tremblay said Saturday afternoon.
"Three of the five occupants known to have been in that vehicle were able to escape."
A man and a youth are also missing after the vehicle they were in was submerged. Two of the four occupants of that vehicle were rescued.
Tremblay said RCMP are not revealing the exact locations of the searches because they don't want people interfering with the organized search teams.
- How to prepare a go bag, emergency kit or evacuation plan
- UPDATED
435 homes evacuated from Fancy Lake area due to severe flooding
"The search continues for four loved ones and good people are working hard to find them. We pray for their safe return," he said.
There are no other reports of missing persons, said police.
Much of central Nova Scotia, including areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality, has been dealing with severe flooding and impassable roads Saturday after torrential downpours swamped much of the province overnight Friday.
A state of emergency is now in effect for the HRM, West Hants, East Hants, Queens County and Lunenburg County, said Houston.
Evacuation order lifted for St. Croix River system
An evacuation order that had been issued for people living near the St. Croix River system early Saturday morning has been lifted.An emergency alert had been sent out to cellphones in the area at 3:41 a.m. AT. The nearby dam was also at risk of breaching.
Windsor and West Hants Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian says that as of Saturday morning, the dam is no longer at risk.
"Thankfully it is under control, they relieved some water from that dam and we've got most of the area evacuated now," he said.
Just before 3 p.m., a new emergency alert said people could return home if safe to do so, but asked them to "remain vigilant."
It said the Avon River Hydro System is still experiencing high water levels, and some roads in the area remain flooded.
People affected by the flooding can go to the Falmouth Elementary School.
Zebian said there have been lots of washouts in the area and that some roads are still completely submerged.
"We'll keep on watching the water levels and keep on draining that dam, and keep on moving forward trying to get more road networks cleared up and opened up."
Torrential rain in Nova Scotia floods roads, knocks out power
5 hours agoDuration1:39
Overnight rain caused flooding and damage across Nova Scotia, where thousands remain without power.
Anyone in the area who is still in need of emergency help evacuating should call 911, Zebian said.
Residents were told overnight to evacuate to the Brooklyn Civic Centre at 995 Highway 215, Newport, while a later alert said evacuees can also use the Windsor Civic Centre at 78 Thomas St., Windsor.
The South West Hants Fire Hall on Highway 114 on Chester Road is also open, Zebian said.
He said resources are stretched, but as the day continues, crews will continue to work to complete all necessary evacuations and keep monitoring the dam.
Windsor, located in Hants County, is about 60 kilometres northwest of downtown Halifax.
Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay told CBC News early Saturday that RCMP are helping with evacuations at Smileys provincial park campground, which is fairly close to the dam.
Tremblay said if people near the dam are not able to flee, they should call 911 for help.
Halifax Regional Municipality also battling floods
Nova Scotia's road conditions website is warning of flooding on highways 101, 102, 103, 107, 111 and 118.According to the RCMP, Highway 101 is now closed at exit 3 in Upper Sackville.
Halifax has also been caught in the deluge, with Halifax Regional Police warning that multiple roads are closed to all traffic. They include:
- The Bedford Highway between Sherbrooke Drive and Flamingo Drive and between Dartmouth Road and River Lane.
- Union Street between the Bedford Highway and Rowledge Lane.
- Hammonds Plains Road between Gary Martin Drive and Larry Uteck Boulevard.
- Bluewater Road at Hammonds Plains Road.
Cars are seen abandoned on Highway 101 outside of Halifax late Friday, after torrential downpours flooded the area. (Frank Inrig/CBC)
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Police also warned early Saturday that the storm has left rocks, gravel and other debris on roads throughout the region. They also said a number of vehicles that had been abandoned on flooded roads were towed.
"A large number of vehicles also remain in flooded parking lot and on private properties."
In a release Saturday morning, the Halifax Regional Municipality advised drivers and pedestrians to stay off roads due to unsafe conditions.
"Numerous roads are washed out and remain closed due to flooding. There are abandoned cars on roads and highways causing dangerous conditions. There is a significant amount of damage," the city said.
'We're working through it,' N.S. mayor says amid heavy rain and flooding
7 hours agoDuration1:06
Windsor and West Hants Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian describes the torrential rain that hit Nova Scotia overnight and led to an evacuation order for people living near the St. Croix River system.
Emergency flooding calls can be directed to Halifax Water at 902-420-9287, while damage to infrastructure an roads can be reported by calling 311 or emailing hrm_emo@halifax.ca.
A map of roads blocked due to flooding is available here.
The municipality has opened a comfort centre at the East Dartmouth Community Centre for residents dealing with power outages and flooding. It will stay open overnight.
About 750 people were evacuated from their homes overnight, and 150 people have needed support thus far, Savage said.
Those travelling on Halifax Transit can expect significant delays and detours, said the HRM, and updates will be provided on Twitter and on the city's website.
Floodwaters damage roads, homes in West Hants
4 hours agoDuration0:55
Homes and roads have been damaged in the Windsor area of Nova Scotia after torrential downpours swamped the province overnight.
Savage acknowledged that the last few months have been challenging in the province.
"We've had own little tour of Armageddon," he said. "We had the horrific wildfires at the end of May into June and now we have flooding, so it seems like all the plagues are hitting us."
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon said this "is a historic flood event for Nova Scotia."
Preliminary estimates show up to 250 mm of rain fell in some areas as of 6 a.m., Snoddon said, adding that in the Halifax area, it appears to be the heaviest rainfall event since 1971.
More rain is expected to fall Saturday evening.
More than 70,000 customers lost power
Nova Scotia Power (NSP) says it has been dealing with outages in the Halifax and Liverpool areas that were caused by lightning. At the peak of the storm last night, more than 70,000 customers were without power, the utility said.As of 4 p.m., power had been restored to 90 per cent of these customers.
"Our crews are working and navigating the flooded roads to try and get power back on as quickly and safely as possible," said Matt Drover, NSP's storm lead at its emergency operation centre.
Drover said the HRM and the western part of the province's south shore got hit the hardest by the lightning.
Many roads are completely impassable, he said, and crews are working with the province's Emergency Management Office to safely navigate around them.
Drover expects power to be restored to most customers by late tonight or tomorrow morning.
Storms of this nature are only becoming more common, he noted.
"Hurricane Fiona was only last year, so not even a year ago, and also the wildfires are recent as well," said Drover.
"We have seen on our system, definitely more frequency and more intense storms than we ever have before"
- WEATHER
Historic flooding hits Nova Scotia amid torrential downpours - VIDEO
Heavy downpours bring flooding to parts of N.S.
"The four-river systems of concern are the Mersey [River], St. Margaret's Bay, Fall River and the Avon River systems," said David Pickles, the utility's chief operating officer. "We are coordinating with both local and provincial EMO partners to ensure the safety of surrounding homes and communities."
Halifax District RCMP are advising motorists to stay home due to bad weather and say there have been multiple reports of local flooding on Hammonds Plains Road, Lucasville Road, Sackville Cross Road, and parts of Sackville Drive and Beaverbank Road.
"Right now, the best thing people can do is stay home, monitor weather and news reports and check in on your neighbours who may need assistance," said Premier Tim Houston in a release Saturday afternoon.
The province says a full assessment of damage won't be possible until the floodwaters recede.
The Canadian National Railway (CN) shut down a section of its track near Halifax on Friday evening, a spokesperson for the company confirmed. CN said its inspecting the track and making repairs, and it will be reopened as soon as crews have finished their work.
The closing ceremony for the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax set for Friday was cancelled, though there are a few events remaining on the schedule for Saturday.
The Halifax Pride parade, set for Sunday, has also been postponed.
MORE TOP STORIES
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I think this is the same system that hit my canadian friend near the border and took out part of the apartment building she was in with a tornado. It was a nasty system.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
She's in Nfld/Labrador so out of that NS mess. Still close enough to get rather spectacularly bad weather though.
jed turtle
a brother in the Lord
Weather wars? Canada is on Ukraine’s side...