NL

Here's what you need to know Sunday about post-tropical storm Fiona in N.L.

As communities on Labrador's south coast brace for post-tropical storm Fiona, communities in southwestern Newfoundland are dealing with its aftermath.

Post-tropical storm Fiona is tracking towards Labrador

The wreckage of a home lies strewn against the surf. A wall lies on top of the pile, having been peeled from its structure like the skin of an orange.
Homes that stood for over 80 years in Port aux Basques were destroyed in a matter of hours by a storm surge from post-tropical storm Fiona. (Ashley Brauweiler/CBC)

Latest

  • Four schools across Port aux Basques and Burnt Islands to remain closed on Monday
  • Search for missing 73-year-old woman officially turns into recovery mission
  • Port aux Basques and Burnt Islands remain in state of emergency
  • Province formally asks for federal assistance

Post-tropical storm Fiona isn't done yet — it's tracking away from Newfoundland and heading toward Labrador before subsiding later on Sunday.

Environment Canada meteorologist Melissa Field said the south coast of Labrador saw wind gusts up to 90 km/h overnight Saturday and about 10 millimetres of rain.

"They aren't going to see quite the same sort of impact as the island portion of the province," she told CBC News.

The area could receive 10 to 20 millimetres of rain on Sunday, but winds should die down throughout the day.

The Salvation Army has set up an emergency shelter at St. James Regional High School, located at 200 Hardys Arterial Rd., for people displaced from their homes in the Port aux Basques area  People with pets who have been displaced can go to the Bruce II Sports Centre.

Steven Hynes, director of the Salvation Army's emergency disaster services, said people in the community are still coming to terms with the disaster.

"The plan right now is to take it as it comes," he said.

He said the Salvation Army will be providing breakfast, lunch and supper at the shelter, which is doubling as a warming centre.

The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District announced Sunday that four schools would be closed on Monday as a result of the storm: St. James Elementary and St. James Regional High in Port aux Basques, LeGallais Memorial in Isle aux Morts and Grandy's River Collegiate in Burnt Islands. 

Both Port aux Basques and Burnt Islands remain in a state of emergency, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.

The provincial government has announced that Western Health has established a toll-free number to provide support to impacted residents, including mental health support and other health needs. The  Western Health Fiona Response Line can be reached at 1-833-920-0096, and is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Houses line a grassy shore. The shore is scattered with debris and some of the homes have been damaged, and buildings have been knocked off their foundations.
Port aux Basques was still under a state of emergency on Sunday. (Malone Mullin/CBC)

Province formally requests federal assistance

On Sunday morning, the RCMP confirmed reports of a missing 73-year-old woman, noting that search efforts were underway.

At a news conference Sunday afternoon, Justice and Public Safety Minister John Hogan and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless announced the search has become a recovery mission, with efforts continuing when conditions allow.

"Any time there's potential loss of life, it certainly brings home the reality of what's going on here," said Loveless.

Hogan said he had sent a letter to federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair formally requesting federal resources.

"I have been speaking to him several times over the last couple of days, even before the storm hit," said Hogan.

"He was aware that in all likelihood, we were going to need the assistance of the federal government. So we'll work out the details of what that looks like over the next couple of days."

In addition to the homes that have been lost, power lines are down and debris is scattered around the area.

Port aux Basques town manager Leon MacIsaac said town staff are heading out to assess the damage.

"We do have a fair bit of destruction," he said.

MacIsaac said the town has set up concrete barriers to keep people out of dangerous areas and all residents should stay home except in emergencies.

"Getting a morning coffee is not an essential," he said.

A spokesperson with the provincial Department of Transportation said there is no significant damage to provincial highways but Route 408, the road to Cape Ray, remains closed as crews clean up debris and assess damage.

The Marine Atlantic ferry service has resumed regular operations but some provincial ferry services remain unavailable as the storm makes its way through the province.

More than 2,600 Newfoundland Power customers in southwestern Newfoundland, along the west coast and on the Burin Peninsula are currently without power.

In a statement, a Newfoundland Power spokesperson said crews are assessing damage and working to remove trees from power lines.

Furey to be in Port aux Basques on Monday

Premier Andrew Furey, who was in Gallipoli, Turkey, on Friday to attend the dedication ceremony for the final monument in the Trail of the Caribou, said he'll be in Port aux Basques on Monday.

"We will be focused onto the recovery of the area. I want to assure all people living in the area that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be there to support them," he said.

Furey said he's had discussions with Andrew Parsons, MHA for the Port aux Basques area, and Channel-Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button about how the provincial government can help people who have been impacted by the storm.

He said the provincial government will help residents who have been displaced and will assist communities with cleanup and reconstruction.

Furey said an inventory of damage is being performed and he has spoken with the federal government, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

He said the provincial government will evaluate its preparations and response to the storm. Hogan and Loveless are set to hold a media briefing at 2 p.m. NT.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Ward

Reporter

Nick Ward is a journalist with the CBC bureau in St. John's. Email: [email protected].

With files from Weekend AM and Ashley Brauweiler