Forecasters say Hurricane Lee will transition from a Category 1 hurricane to a post-tropical storm when it makes landfall late tomorrow night.
But meteorologists say it will remain a threat because it will expand and maintain much of its strength across an area expected to extend 300 kilometres from its centre.
The agency has issued hurricane watches for the southwestern Nova Scotia counties of Digby, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth. It predicts hurricane-strength winds could gust as high as 120 kilometres per hour on Saturday in portions of those counties.
While most of mainland Nova Scotia is now under a Tropical Storm Warning, and in many cases separate wind and rainfall warnings, Pictou County to this point does not have any warnings or watches. That doesn’t mean we won’t feel the effects of Hurricane Lee as it bears down on the province, as rain can be expected on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as strong winds gusting up to 70kh at times.
The provincial government has announced locations that will provide a safe and secure place for those experiencing homelessness to access light meals, supports, and sleeping accommodations throughout Hurricane Lee.
Locations include:
NEW GLASGOW:
· Viola’s Place – 189 Marsh Street, New Glasgow 902-752-0550, regular hours additional beds
PICTOU:
· Pictou County Roots for Youth – 603 East River Road, New Glasgow, 902-695-3241 regular hours, additional beds
Hours of operation will be dependent on expected storm timelines. Anyone looking for supports over the weekend can call 211 to be connected to services in their community.
Nova Scotia’s provincial and wildlife parks are closing because of predicted severe weather from Hurricane Lee.Provincial parks will close today:— camping parks will close at 1 p.m.— day-use parks will close at 7 p.m.The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park will be closed Saturday, and staff will monitor the animals during the storm.All parks will be evaluated for damage and safety concerns before they reopen.
Gasoline and diesel prices both went up overnight in Nova Scotia. Gas prices increased by 3.9 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline at 189.5 cents per litre locally. Diesel prices increased by 7.9 cents per litre, leaving the minimum pump price for diesel at 212.5 cents per litre in the local area.
Two people from PEI were arrested in New Glasgow early Thursday afternoon in connection with a missing person case in Charlottetown. 27-year old Summer Kneebone was last seen on August 7th, and while Charlottetown Police still do not know where Summer is, a 44-year old man and 32-year old woman, both from Pembroke, PEI, were arrested in New Glasgow for indecently interfering with human remains. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Premier Tim Houston announced changes to cabinet on Thursday. Some iof the highlights include Twila Grosse, MLA for Preston, joining cabinet as Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister of the Public Service Commission, becoming the first female African Nova Scotian member of Nova Scotia Executive Council.Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane will be nominated as the first female Speaker when the House of Assembly resumes on October 12. She will retain her designation as Minister until a Speaker is chosen.Premier Houston thanked outgoing ministers Pat Dunn, of Pictou Centre, and Steve Craig for their work and dedication over the past two years. They will continue to sit as MLAs.
The Pictou Advocate has a new look, which debuted with the Wednesday, September 6th edition. With the revitalization, it will feature sharper images, concise articles, and a resized layout. The Pictou Advocate says it’s also bolstering its reporting resources, adding veteran Pictou County journalist Kevin Adshade.
