Islanders urged to prepare for tropical storm Henri

The province is urging Prince Edward Islanders to prepare this weekend for the arrival of tropical storm Henri next week. 

The storm is expected to approach Atlantic Canada over the next several days.

"Hurricanes and tropical storms are violent weather systems which can change direction on short notice. Even a significantly weakened system can carry high winds, heavy rain and flooding and can cause widespread destruction," a release from the provincial government said Friday.

The province is asking Islanders to bring in or tie down furniture and play equipment, barbecues or anything that can become projectiles in high winds, and to review their preparedeness plans.

People should also update emergency kits, ensure they have enough fuel, and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The National Hurricane Center's latest on the track for Henri was issued Friday at 6 p.m. AT. It says to expect sustained winds of 100 km/h, and predicts warm waters and atmospheric conditions will see the storm strengthen to hurricane status Friday night or early Saturday.

"The track has shifted slightly to the west with potential landfall still looking to occur between New York City and Cape Cod on Sunday," says CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland. 

The Canadian Hurricane Centre has issued a Tropical Cyclone Information Statement for Nova Scotia as it looks like the storm will take a more southerly path through the Maritimes early next week, although Scotland said this is still very much subject to change. 

"At present this storm is looking less likely to have a high impact here in the Maritimes, but these are still early days, so please check back for updates," he said.

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