Marine Atlantic has cancelled all Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning crossings in anticipation of Hurricane Fiona which is expected to barrel through the Gulf of St. Lawrence this weekend.
The storm will affect both sides of the Gulf and Marine Atlantic says extra mooring equipment will be used to secure vessels at the dock in North Sydney and Channel-Port aux Basques.
Maintenance teams are also working to secure all infrastructure and property at each of the terminals, and clearing drainage systems.
Marine Atlantic is also monitoring storm surge conditions, especially for overflow onto terminal parking lots.
Preparations Underway in Channel-Port aux Basques
The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques has been busy clearing outdoor items, securing construction sites and ensuring that storm drains are free of debris in preparation for Hurricane Fiona—but concerns remain about infrastructure damaged by last year’s major storm.
The southwest coast was walloped by a fall storm in November of last year that dumped record rainfall on the area, and destroyed infrastructure that simply couldn’t handle the volume.
Mayor Brian Button says they’re still recovering from the damage caused last year.
The biggest concern according to Button is that applications for damages caused by last year’s storm are still in the system. Some infrastructure has been left vulnerable as a result.
Button says storm surge is of particular concern and residents close to the coastline are preparing as best they can. The town will have emergency shelters and warming stations ready if needed.
Meanwhile, the City of Corner Brook is preparing as best as it can for the arrival of Hurricane Fiona.
Mayor Jim Parsons says the Newfoundland side of the storm will likely be more of a wind event so the city is preparing by trimming branches and trees and securing construction sites.
He says the new rec centre is being built at the Grenfell Campus and they’re trying to ensure that the wind impact on that site will be minimal.
In the meantime, the city has set up a 24/7 phone line for residents to call in any problems related to the storm at 637-1666.
