FREDERICTON (GNB) – Residents and those visiting the province are being encouraged to take precautions now so they are prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Lee.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the hurricane is expected to bring wind and rain to many areas of the province this weekend. The exact track of the system will determine the extent to which areas will be the most impacted, but it is expected to be an immense system when it reaches the region beginning tonight.

“We want people to take this seriously,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We are doing everything we can to prepare, including working with our partners and encouraging New Brunswickers to take the steps necessary to keep themselves and their families safe. Everyone needs to do their part.”

“Regardless of where Hurricane Lee lands, New Brunswickers need to be prepared,” said Kyle Leavitt, the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization director. “Your actions during a storm are as important as your preparations beforehand. Once the storm starts, if you are able to, stay home and stay safe.”

Possible conditions include:

  • Most areas of the province could see peak wind speeds Saturday of between 60-80 km/h. However, along the Bay of Fundy, strong wind gusts of 90-100 km/h are expected.
  • Total rainfall amounts in the province will range from 50 to more than 100 millimetres.
  • Elevated water levels, very large waves and rough surf are expected on Saturday in the Bay of Fundy. Four to six metre waves are expected and storm surge is a possibility.

These kinds of conditions can lead to power outages, localized flooding, and road closures.

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization is ready to co-ordinate with and support local governments and first responders to assist residents and communities, should the need arise.

New Brunswickers can take steps to protect their families and their properties, including:

  • monitoring local forecasts;
  • making sure catch basins and gutters are clear and are guiding water away from the home;
  • securing or storing lawn furniture and other items on the property to prevent damage from high winds;

o    water (two litres per person per day);

o    non-perishable food;

o    manual can opener;

o    battery or crank-powered radio;

o    prescription medications;

o    specialty items, such as infant formula, pet food, etc.;

o    first aid kit;

o    flashlight;

o    candles, matches, or a lighter;

o    batteries;

o    cash;

o    spare keys;

o    copies of emergency plan;

o    copies of important papers like your driver’s licence, birth certificate and insurance papers;

o    face masks (cloth or disposable);

o    hand sanitizer.

Power outages are possible. To prepare for or report an outage, visit NB Power’s website. Residents who have a generator should ensure they have sufficient fuel and that it is in proper working order. Those who have a generator but have never used it are encouraged to read the instructions on how to operate it safely.

Hurricane Lee may bring hazardous driving conditions. Limit travel to essential purposes in areas at risk, and adjust driving to road and weather conditions. For road conditions, dial 511 within New Brunswick.

Due to the impending impact of the hurricane, some provincial parks will be closing and some will be altering their access or services. More could be impacted depending on storm conditions throughout the weekend. The latest updates are available on the NB Parks Facebook page.

Appropriate measures should also be taken to ensure food safety if power outages occur. More information and tips on steps that can be taken in advance is available online.

More information about storm preparedness is available online.

If you are in an emergency where you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If it is not an emergency and a local issue, please contact your local government or your local emergency measure organization. If they are unable to assist, you can then call New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization at 1-800-561-4034. For environmental emergencies call 1-800-565-1633.