Hurricane Teddy on the move toward P.E.I.

P.E.I. should expect rain and winds next week as Hurricane Teddy moves up the Eastern Seaboard.

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center in the U.S. is that Hurricane Teddy has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, producing sustained winds of 205 kilometres per hour. Teddy's track now extends into Newfoundland, leaving the severity of the impact on P.E.I. uncertain.

Teddy will likely reach the region late Tuesday and into Wednesday as a post-tropical storm. 

"It is still too early to start forecasting potential rainfall or peak winds here yet, as the timing, track and intensity are still subject to change," said CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland.

"That being said, now is the time to prepare."

Environment Canada has also issued a tropical cyclone information statement for P.E.I. and Nova Scotia. The Canadian Hurricane Centre says it will begin issuing regular updates on Teddy beginning Saturday morning.

On Friday afternoon, the City of Charlottetown sent a news release urging the public to prepare for the potential hurricane. 

While the city normally recommends having 72 hours worth of supplies on hand during emergencies, it is now recommending having five days worth of supplies — a precaution echoed by the P.E.I. Emergency Measures Organization.

"Preparedness in the middle of a global pandemic looks a little different," said fire Chief Randy MacDonald, chair of the city's emergency measures team, in the written release. 

"We join our provincial counterparts in strongly urging the public to upgrade their emergency preparedness kit to include items such as masks and hand sanitizer."

Weekend prep

Scotland said with the storm currently tracking into our region, Islanders should be prepared for strong winds and — with trees in full leaf — for power outages. 

He recommends storing away loose objects around the yard, like patio furniture or trampolines, and clearing downspouts, as well as making sure storm drains are free from debris.

"It is also a good idea to make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked as well, just in case," he said.

Though it is too early to forecast potential rainfall amounts, Scotland said these systems can produce rain that falls fast and heavy — as the Island saw last year with Dorian.

The P.E.I. Emergency Measures Organization also recommends getting out early to stock up in order to avoid any last-minute crowds at grocery stores.

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