Nova Scotians are battening down the hatches ahead of Hurricane Teddy’s arrival.

Environment Canada expects Teddy will diminish to a tropical storm by the time it touches down in our province sometime Tuesday afternoon.

They warn winds could reach speeds of 65km/h gusting up to 80 to 100km/h over exposed areas and along the coast. Heavy rainfall is also expected which could cause flooding and Teddy could dump between 50 and 100mm over the central and eastern parts of the province. Coastal residents will also need to be prepared for storm surges.

Region of Queens mayor David Dagley says municipal crews have been out preparing for the storm.

“They will check the storm drains to make sure that they’re not blocked so that any rain would be able to drain away,” said Dagley. “They’ll collect or remove or secure items that may blow in the wind and become a hazard.”

Dagley says staff will also be keeping a close eye out for storm surges along the Mersey river.

“Our staff will be vigilant and they will block off access to the waterfront parking area and waterfront road such as Henry Hennessey drive so we can ensure that vehicles aren’t parked there if we get a storm surge,” said Dagley.

In a release, Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Office asks people to check on their neighbours, to see if they need any supplies. They note this is especially important for the elderly or vulnerable. They also want Nova Scotians to make sure anything that can be picked up by the wind such as yard furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or other equipment or structures are taken inside or secured.

Dagley adds people should be prepared with a storm kit that can get them through 72 hours.

“We always ask that they have potable water, drinking water, that they have flashlights, they have a battery powered radio, they have some food staples that don’t require electricity to become nourishment,” said Dagley.

Tropical Storm Teddy is expected to move away from Nova Scotia by Thursday night. However, another period of strong winds is possible Wednesday morning over easternmost sections of Nova Scotia.

Mayor Dagley says the Region of Queens will be providing updates on their website, through social media and over the radio as the storm passes through the area.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson