‘Very minimal’ impacts expected in Nova Scotia from Hurricane Ernesto

Hurricane Ernesto is not expected to have much of an impact on the weather in Nova Scotia next week.

“There’s high confidence in the forecast models that the storm will track to the southeast of Sable Island,” “So here in Nova Scotia and in Halifax, very minimal impacts are expected on our weather.”

Aalders says Nova Scotia is likely to see a few outer bands of showers from Ernesto on Monday. Wind is not expected to be a factor for the province.

“For those along the coast we will see wave heights peaking on Monday, likely in the range of about 2-4 metres, certainly some rough surf and the potential for rip currents on Monday,” he says.

It’s expected to feel tropical as the storm passes through the region, with temperatures in Nova Scotia forecast to be in the mid- to high-twenties and humidex values well into the 30’s.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre(CHC) meantime says eastern Newfoundland will see a closer brush with Ernesto, with the storm forecast to track near the Avalon Peninsula on Tuesday.

“Even if the storm does make landfall in the eastern part of the Avalon Peninsula, the strongest winds are expected to stay offshore,” says CHC meteorologist Bob Robichaud. “So still expecting some wind, some rain, but given the current track, it looks like we might be escaping the worst case scenario in terms of wind and rain.”

Southwestern coastlines of Newfoundland could still see some coastal flooding with large waves expected and the possibility of some storm surge.