Kyle still on track for southwestern Nova Scotia as it heads towards the Maritimes

STORY POSTED 9:30 Saturday, Sept. 27:

Environment Canada issued a tropical storm warning, a wind warning and a hurricane watch for Yarmouth County and other parts of southwestern Nova Scotia on Saturday as tropical storm Kyle continued northward on its path for the Maritimes.

Kyle, the 11th-named storm of the 2008 hurricane season, is expected to pass through southwestern Nova Scotia late Sunday and into Monday.

In issuing a tropical storm warning late Saturday afternoon, Environment Canada said tropical storm Kyle is intensifying as it tracks towards the Maritimes. A tropical storm warning means that sustained winds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected. According to Environment Canada by nature a tropical storm also implies the threat of local flooding from heavy rainfall.

At 3 p.m. this afternoon Kyle was located 465 kilometres west of Bermuda and moving northward at 24 km/h. On its path Kyle is forecast to pass just to the west of Yarmouth very late Sunday evening or very early Monday morning before making landfall on the New Brunswick coast before dawn Monday.

Expectations late Saturday afternoon were that Kyle will push tropical storm force winds of 80 km/h with gusts to 120 km/h into the tri-county region of Nova Scotia early Sunday evening. Depending on the exact track and strength and position of Kyle, sustained hurricane force winds may be possible near the coast just as Kyle passes west of Yarmouth. For this reason a hurricane watch has been issued concurrently.

These same winds speeds in similar events in the past have caused significant tree damage that has resulted in downed power lines and damage to structures due to falling branches or trees. All preparations by residents to secure loose objects should be completed by Sunday afternoon.

Also of concern, said Environment Canada on Saturday, was that Kyle will be arriving at the time of high tide in Yarmouth. The resulting storm surge from Kyle on top of the dangerous rough surf may lead to shoreline erosion and damage to the coastal infrastructure mainly in Yarmouth and Digby counties.

The wind appears to be of more concern than the rain as rainfall amounts are not expected to reach the 50 millimetre threshold.

The provincial Emergency Management Office is advising the public to secure their properties and take other necessary precautions as tropical storm Kyle approaches the Maritimes.

Ways EMO says the public can prepare for a weather-related emergency include the following:

-- Maintain an emergency kit, including food, a supply of water, clothing, blankets medication, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

-- Have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage.

-- Prepare freezer packs by placing water-filled soda or plastic milk containers in your deep freezer. These can be used to help keep the freezer and/or refrigerator cold in the event of a power outage.

-- Choose a shelter area away from windows for you and your family. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide a good shelter in a severe storm.

-- Choose a meeting place for family members and set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety.

-- Make arrangements to help a senior or other person in the neighbourhood who may need added assistance.

-- Secure objects on your property that could be torn loose or blown around. Protect your home as much as possible from heavy rains and floods.

-- Refrain from going to coastal areas to watch a severe storm. This can be very dangerous.