Predictions of ‘very active’ hurricane season prompt awareness campaign

GUYSBOROUGH — As Canadian and U.S. officials warn that the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season could be record-breaking in both the number and intensity of storms, the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) will launch a public information program to help keep residents vigilant this summer and fall.

“Leading prediction agencies have viewed 2024 to be an above normal year for hurricane development... with [a] potentially increased number overall,” Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Shawn Andrews told The Journal in an email last week. “That increases the possibility of an interaction with Nova Scotia.”

He added: “The MODG has committed to providing awareness and information on potential emergency events through dedicated flyers delivered to each household. The first of such flyers was delivered last week pertaining to wild land fires, which contained information on ways to improve your home and property’s resilience towards this threat. We ask [that] residents watch for a similar flyer as we near the peak of hurricane season, which begins in late August and continues through to mid-October.”

According to a May 23 announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, there’s an 85 per cent chance of an above-normal hurricane season affecting the eastern seaboard of North America, thanks to near-record warm ocean temperatures and reduced trade winds in the Atlantic Ocean, and cooler-than-normal waters in the Pacific Ocean. NOAA is also forecasting from 17 to 25 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), four-to-seven of which are expected to become category 3-5 hurricanes with winds of 179 km/h or higher.

Meanwhile, in a May 24 statement, Environment Canada endorsed the U.S. agency’s forecast, noting: “These are the highest numbers that NOAA has ever predicted during a spring hurricane season outlook... With a very active season ahead, it is more important than ever for Canadians to prepare early. Named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes can cause significant rainfall, damaging winds, high waves and storm surge, and these impacts are expected to be even more significant with climate change.”

Said Andrews: “Many weather patterns determine the intensity, duration and direction of each storm.” MODG reminds residents “to remain vigilant in their hurricane preparations, but also to evaluate their entire personal emergency plan and emergency kits, whether it be for a hurricane, winter storm, evacuation from a wildfire or telecommunication disruption ... Within the emergency management community there is a saying, ‘It only takes one storm to make it a bad year.’”

MODG Warden Vernon Pitts noted in an email that “Council continues to support the national 72 hours of preparedness message and hopes that all residents do their part to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise.” According to the federal government’s online guide, that means building and maintaining a handy kit with basic supplies, such as drinking water, packaged food and first aid.

Earlier this year MODG, the Town of Mulgrave and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s received $382,556 in non-repayable funding through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund to equip three climate comfort centres – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 39 in Mulgrave, Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre in Guysborough and the St. Mary’s RecPlex in Sherbrooke with structural upgrades and readiness supplies, such as bedding, medical equipment and generators.

Alec Bruce, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Guysborough Journal