HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — A series of powerful thunderstorms unleashed a torrential downpour that broke records and caused significant damage across Nova Scotia, the Atlantic-coast province of Canada. The storms, which lasted for two days, resulted in flash floods, road washouts, and power outages.
The relentless rain started on Friday afternoon in Halifax, with some areas experiencing over 200 millimeters of rainfall. This is double the amount the port city receives during a typical July. According to estimates by Environment Canada, certain areas may have received over 300 mm of rain within 24 hours, with the heaviest rainfall situated along the province’s southwestern shore, extending to the north of Halifax.
Additionally, reports of widespread flooding have emerged from Lunenberg County, located west of the Halifax region. The rising water levels in the Bedford area prompted Halifax Search and Rescue volunteers to utilize small boats for rescuing affected residents from their inundated homes. Meanwhile, the Hammonds Plains area, situated northwest of the city, experienced flooding that caused damage to driveways and roads.
This is the same area where a wildfire destroyed 151 homes and businesses in May, resulting in the evacuation of 16,000 residents. The recent weather conditions in Halifax have also been characterized by a prolonged period of high humidity, which is unusual for a coastal region.
Last fall, post-tropical storm Fiona wreaked havoc in the Atlantic region, resulting in three fatalities, numerous destroyed homes, and widespread power outages affecting over 600,000 properties. The storm caused an insured damage worth over 800 million Canadian dollars ($604 million), making it the costliest weather event in the region’s history.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage acknowledged the changing climate, remarking on the frequency of severe storms that were rare occurrences in the past. With no official statistics yet, it is believed that the level of rainfall in the Halifax region has not been seen since August 16, 1971, when hurricane Beth struck the area, causing extensive flooding and damage with nearly 250 mm of rainfall.
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