Atlantic hurricane season passes peak, but P.E.I. prepares for storms

Maria Sarrouh explains how despite a relatively quiet hurricane season for Atlantic provinces, some experts are saying caution is still needed.

Maritime Electric crews on P.E.I. are trimming branches to prevent power outages before the stormy season picks up.

The historical peak for hurricanes across the Atlantic landed last week, but scientists say it has been slower than usual. Still, the Island’s electricity supplier is preparing by managing the trees.

“In high wind situations, they’ve blown across into our lines, which have pulled down our distribution lines — what people see really close to their homes or businesses and along the roads,” said Maritime Electric spokesperson Kim Griffin. “That for us has been a real challenge.”

The company is also recommending customers check their sump pumps, secure loose items in their yards and download its safety list.

Despite the stall, conditions can change quickly, said Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Hubbard. The agency is keeping an eye on one thunderstorm over the central Atlantic that has a chance of developing over the next week.

“Even though it’s been quiet as of late, we aren’t out of the water yet,” he said.

Hubbard said there have been six named storms across the Atlantic Basin so far, compared to the average of around nine. One turned into a major hurricane, Erin, which didn’t make landfall in Canada. In a typical year, about four storms would have become hurricanes by now.

“It doesn’t take very long to make up those numbers,” Hubbard said.

Environment Canada expects conditions to change soon. Vertical wind shear, which inhibits storm formation, could decrease, while vertical instability, which makes air rise faster, could increase.

P.E.I.’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is watching as well.

“We’ve been fortunate so far,” said Jason Thistle, director of the EMO. “Everyone should have a kit that’s within their means … they should have water, non-perishable food items, any medications that they may need. Also, if there are pets in their family, they should prepare for them as well.”

Thistle directed families looking to make a plan to the provincial emergency preparedness guide.

The province, in partnership with the EMO and the federal government’s Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, is spending $1.4 million on supplies and infrastructure to bolster response efforts. The funding will support the creation of nine designated emergency sites equipped with large-capacity generators. More than 50 shelter kit pallet boxes are also being distributed to municipal and community reception centres. Each box includes, among other items, 25 cots, 25 polar fleece blankets and comprehensive first-aid kits.