According to Emergency Management Minister Ramona Jennex, people need to make safety a number one priority, as a hurricane and tropical storm watch remains in effect for the province.
Jennex, Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele, Chris Fogarty, manager of the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Dartmouth, and other partners provided an update on Hurricane Earl today at 1:15 p.m. via a teleconference.
Jennex said many traffic signals are not operational and people are encouraged to stay inside.
In a statement from Nova Scotia Power, they said there are currently 140 crews working across the province to restore 139,000 customers who are without power, as of 1 p.m. today. It may take up to two days for some power to be restored.
The Emergency Management Office is reporting the following activity as a result of Hurricane Earl:
-- The hurricane is rapidly changing and evolving. It is currently a confirmed Category 1 hurricane.
-- Environment Canada has reported that the hurricane has made landfall, 85 kilometres south-west of Lunenburg.
-- Hurricane is expected to reach the eastern shore and New Glasgow this afternoon, and Cape Breton later in the day.
-- Nova Scotia Power is reporting outages, which are consistent with the track of the storm.
-- If experiencing a power outage, call Nova Scotia Power at 1-800-428-6230 or 428-6230 in Halifax.
-- EMO urges people to call 911 to report an emergency.
-- Downed trees and branches are reported, and HRM crews have been deployed to remove those on roads.
-- Traffic is being directed in some areas.
-- There is potential for hydroplaning on Highway 102.
-- Route 333 in Upper Tantallon is closed, and power lines are down in that area.
-- RCMP are closing Highway 207 in vicinity of Lawrencetown Beach, as water levels are cresting to the road.
-- Beaches are closed and are being manned by the RCMP.
-Road closures are in effect in Peggy's Cove, open to local traffic only.
-- No infrastructure damage reported.
-- The MacKay bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles.
-- The pedestrian/cyclist walkway is restricted on the McDonald bridge.
-- All HRM recreation centres are closed.
-- Flights are being affected at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. People are advised to check with airlines, or visit the airport website at www.hiaa.com .
-- The hurricane watch has ended for Digby. Early reports indicate no significant damage in the area. Reports will continue to come in the hours and days to come.
-- Hurricane warnings have now extended into Guysborough County. The track appears to be heading toward Halifax-Eastern shore.
