Residents along Canada's eastern Atlantic coast and further inland know all about hurricanes and their destructive power. With climate change making storms more intense around the world, hurricane season is predicted to get worse in these regions. That leaves many Canadians wondering how to cope with the prospect of more intense hurricanes -- how to protect themselves and their properties from the fierce impact of these oftentimes catastrophic weather events.
And it's not just Atlantic Canadians -- those in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island -- who have to worry about hurricane season either. Scientific evidence shows that hurricanes along Canada's eastern coastal areas are moving further north, and also more slowly, remaining over stretches of the country and causing even more havoc.
Let's take a deeper look into Canada's hurricane season and the steps you can take to look after yourself and your loved ones when one strikes.
What Is Hurricane Season in Canada?
Hurricanes generally form off the eastern coast of Canada from early June to around late November time. Most tend to occur from August to September and they can be enormous, stretching across 1,000 kilometres or more. Storm surges caused by water pushed towards the shore when a hurricane is making landfall account for a large amount of damage caused to properties and infrastructure.
Warm water is the fuel that provides the energy for hurricanes to form, and it must be at least 26C. If the water is slightly cooler, hurricanes may still form but will quickly weaken over water.
Moist air is another essential ingredient in the energy mix that hurricanes need to form. The more humidity in the lower and also middle regions of the atmosphere, the more likely you'll get a hurricane. And low wind shear is also essential, and it means hurricanes can grow straight up when there's not much difference in wind speed and direction.
The intensity of hurricanes is measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, from 1 to 5, with the former creating dangerous winds that cause damage and the latter leading to catastrophic damage.
Climate Change and Hurricanes in Atlantic Canada
Rising temperatures around the world are warming oceans and causing more hurricanes to form and they're becoming stronger, with more rain and wind, according to the latest scientific evidence. Weather modelling predicts this will cause greater damage in eastern coastal areas of Canada as they are pummelled by ever more powerful hurricanes.
There will also be a higher incidence of flooding in Eastern Canada and further north of the country, due to hurricanes carrying more moisture as greater amounts of warm ocean water evaporates, the climate modelling predicts.
Wind speeds will become much more powerful as hurricanes take hold in the Atlantic Ocean and head towards Canada, the modelling says. This will result in major hurricanes that cause severe damage to everything in their path and injuries and loss of life could be high.
Preparing for Hurricane Season in Eastern Canada
If you live in an area of Eastern Canada prone to hurricanes, and now also further north, you need to take precautions to protect your home and family. Doing so as marine and inland warnings are issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre will leave you little time to ensure you've carried out the necessary tasks to minimize the risk of property damage and potential injury to you and your loved ones.
So make sure you check the roof of your home as well as the windows, to make sure they can withstand high winds and heavy amounts of rainfall. Change the materials to make them hurricane-proof if needed, and monitor them frequently, especially after a hurricane passes over, to ensure no damage or to carry out essential repairs.
Also stock up on canned foods that won't perish and ensure you have an abundant supply of water you can use for several days. A first aid kit is a good idea too, as you never know if someone might be injured during a hurricane, with debris flying outside or part of the property suffering damage. And keep a flashlight or two handy, with enough batteries to keep them going for prolonged periods.
Along with taking these measures to prepare yourself for hurricane season, having a backup power supply can also make a big difference. When power lines come crashing down, knocking out the national grid, you can be left without lighting and heating for hours if not days. You won’t be able to run your appliances, and food in the refrigerator risks spoiling.
With backup power such as the BLUETTI AC300+B300K or Elite 200 V2, you can also stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues to make sure they’re OK as hurricanes rage, because you can keep charging your phone. And you can check on the latest weather situation online too.
Hurricane season in Canada can be catastrophic, and tragically, deadly. Make sure you’re not caught out by taking steps to protect yourself and your family.
FAQs
What Not to Do During a Hurricane
When a hurricane is blowing in your area, stay indoors and do not attempt to go outside, for anything. Flying debris can seriously injure people. Make sure you are not on water and also stay far away from fallen electrical wires.
What Is the Safest Place to Survive a Hurricane?
Get to the lowest level in your property possible when there's a hurricane raging outside. The best places to shelter are in small rooms or in a hallway or closet.
What Kills the Most During a Hurricane?
The most deadly aspect of a hurricane is the storm surge that happens when it starts approaching land. This is when its fierce winds lift up seawater and push it on-land, resulting in large waves that cause immense damage. If you happen to live by the eastern shores of Canada, move well inland.
