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 turn northeast and pass over or near western 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.

• Get the news you need without restrictions. Download our free CBC News App

Environment Canada issued post-tropical storm and wind warnings for the Island on Saturday, warning of the potential for power 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 to pack 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, and Maritime Electric said its contact centre would remain open 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 noon crossings on Sunday are also cancelled.

The Confederation Bridge restricted certain classes of vehicles from crossing due to high winds, including automobiles towing trailers, motorcycles and high-sided vehicles, including trucks, tractor trailers, recreational vehicles and buses.

Reception centres and shelter numbers

The Government of P.E.I. has an online list of 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 at 1-800-863-6582.

The Shelter Support Line is available to support people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and in need of temporary emergency shelter. Call 1-833-220-4722 or dial 211 to be connected to the Shelter Support Line.

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