Chris to surge northward, battering Nova Scotia, Newfoundland prior to week's end
After producing rough surf and deadly rip currents along the East Coast of the United States, Chris will sweep northeastward into the Canadian Maritime.
The United States was spared any direct impacts from Chris early this week as it strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane about 250 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on Tuesday night. Chris has since weakened to a tropical storm.
However, strong rip currents produced by the storm's powerful winds proved fatal for a swimmer in North Carolina this week. These risks will continue on Thursday.
After remaining nearly stationary off the coast of North Carolina for a couple of days, Chris has picked up speed and is moving swiftly northeastward as it approaches Newfoundland.
Residents and tourists in Nova Scotia will notice an uptick in wind speeds through Thursday morning as the storm makes its closest approach to the province.
"It will eventually lose its tropical characteristics as it tracks over the colder water near Atlantic Canada later Thursday and Thursday night," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Edwards.
Despite this, Chris will produce disruptively heavy rain and strong winds as it passes by Nova Scotia and takes aim at Newfoundland on Thursday.
"Damaging wind gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph) are expected across far southeastern Newfoundland over the Avalon Peninsula Thursday night and early Friday morning," Edwards said. He stressed that winds of this caliber can result in toppled trees, power lines and power disruptions.
"Gusts to 130 km/h (80 mph) are not out of the question, mainly over coastal communities," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
A widespread 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) of rain is expected, with localized amounts up to 130 mm (5 inches) possible. This can lead to localized flooding and rising water levels on area creeks and rivers as well as coastal flooding. Rough surf will keep boats in port on at least Thursday and Friday, and ferry services may be halted for a time.
"The quick pace of Chris should limit these hazards at any specific location to 6-12 hours," Pydynowski said.
Chris is then expected to sweep into the open waters of the North Atlantic, allowing calmer weather to ensue over the Canadian Maritime.
