Thousands of N.S. homes, businesses without power after widespread rain, wind
Thousands of homes and businesses were without power in Nova Scotia on Thursday after widespread rain and wind overnight.
As of 2 p.m. AT, about 24,000 Nova Scotia Power customers were without electricity, according to the utility's outage map.
Sean Borden, Nova Scotia Power's storm lead, said the central and northeastern regions of the province were hit the hardest.
"This weather system brought high winds and rain across the province and impacted the power system and about 86,000 customers lost service," Borden said Thursday morning.
The utility said 300 workers were out restoring power across the province. Electricity was expected to be restored for most customers by Thursday evening, said Borden.
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon said wind gusts topped 100 km/h in Grand Pré, the Highlands from Cobequid to Antigonish County and the Bras d'Or Lake area. The Halifax area saw 25-45 millimetres of rain.
Environment Canada lifted all rain and wind warnings for the province as the storm moved east.
Borden warned that post-tropical storm Fiona weakened some trees and branches that could pose a threat.
"Customers and members of the public should be cautious as they're out and about to make sure they're not getting underneath a potential falling tree or branch. I'd also remind customers to stay away from downed power lines," Borden said.
CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin said the high winds and rain would start to taper off Thursday afternoon.
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