Heavy rain, high winds possible through Sunday as Lee moves past P.E.I.

Heavy rain and wind hit P.E.I. Saturday ahead of post-tropical storm Lee, weather that's expected to continue through to Sunday morning before easing as the storm moves out.

Lee is on track to turnnortheast and passover or nearwestern P.E.I. Saturday night into Sunday.

The Island is expected to see peak gusts from 60 km/h to over 90 km/h. Sustained southerly to westerly winds from 40 km/h to over 70 km/h gusts will still be possible Sunday morning, CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland said in an update Saturday evening,before easing as the storm moves out in the afternoon.

"Additional showers are also possible, with the greatest potential for heavier rain over western areas, near where the weakened storm is expected to pass," he said.

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Environment Canada issued post-tropical storm and wind warnings for the Island on Saturday, warning of the potential forpower outages, storm surges and damage to property.

"A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds near 65 km/h or more) are expected over parts of the region within 24 hours. By nature, a tropical storm also implies the threat of local flooding from heavy rainfall," the weather service said.

At a public briefing on Thursday, provincial officials repeatedly underscored that while Islanders would be wise to be prepared for power outages and secure items around their property, the storm is not expected topack punch of post-tropical storm Fiona.

How does Hurricane Lee compare to Fiona?

1 year ago

Duration 3:16

Bob Robichaud, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says Hurricane Lee is not expected to have the same intensity as Fiona at arrival but he cautioned that it's a 'large storm' that people should prepare for, especially in western Nova Scotia and parts of southwestern New Brunswick.

Power outages still possible

Some Island residents experienced power outages during the day on Saturday, andMaritime Electric said its contact centre would remainopen Sunday night with crews ready to respond. Scotland said power outages were possible through to Sunday morning.

Flights in and out of Charlottetown Airport were cancelled, as well as all ferry crossings between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia. The 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and nooncrossings on Sunday are also cancelled.

The Confederation Bridgerestricted certain classes of vehicles from crossing due to high winds, includingautomobiles towing trailers, motorcycles andhigh-sided vehicles, including trucks, tractor trailers, recreational vehiclesand buses.

Reception centres and shelter numbers

The Government of P.E.I. has an online listof reception centres across the province.

Any person in need of temporary shelter due to damage to their home or rental unit can contact the Canadian Red Cross at1-800-863-6582.

The Shelter Support Line is available to support peopleexperiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and in need of temporary emergency shelter. Call1-833-220-4722or dial211to be connected to the Shelter SupportLine.

A full list of emergency contacts and services is available on the government's storm response web page.