Special Update: Inclement Weather Forecast, December 18-21, 2023
December 18, 2023
Environment Canada Issues Special Weather Statements (December 18)
Precipitation: Rainfall today should be in the 25 to 50 mm range in the west and parts of central. Rain will continue into tonight and Tuesday for other parts of central into eastern Nova Scotia with amounts reaching the 50 to 100 mm range in eastern mainland Nova Scotia by Tuesday evening. Continued precipitation Wednesday into Thursday will add to the total rainfall in eastern Nova Scotia and there continues to be indications that total precipitation could reach the 150 to 200 mm range in some areas by early Friday.
Winds: Peak winds will occur from this morning in the west to early Tuesday in the east. Peak gusts in exposed areas and higher terrain will likely reach the 90 to 110 km/h range (with gusts possibly reaching 125 km/h locally) while elsewhere gusts in the 70 to 90 km/h range are expected. Gusty winds continue on Tuesday in the east but should not be quite as strong as today and tonight.
Storm Surge: Today’s storm will result in a storm surge of about 1 m which combined with waves, could result in some minor coastal flooding and erosion especially along the central Atlantic Coast at high tide near midnight tonight.
Please check Environment Canada’s website for further updates.
Click here to access a briefing assessing the storm and its potential impacts. (Updated December 18, 2023)
Preparing your construction site for severe weather
We’re asking all members to prepare and be diligent to meet all safety precautions during an inclement weather event. Please refer to any special weather alerts or statements issued by Environment Canada for more information.
With the knowledge that construction and tower crane sites in the province come with some additional risk during these events, members are advised to have a documented and practised severe weather plan to help prepare for the unexpected and work to prevent losses.
When your tower crane is left unattended, it must be able to turn freely in the wind and align itself with the direction the wind is blowing, thereby reducing the surface area of the structure exposed to the wind. Signage mounted anywhere on the rotating structure should be removed as it could cause interference with wind balancing. Any rigging, such as slings or chains, should be removed from the hook and the trolley stowed close to the tower with the block in its highest position.
When storms happen, the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration often receives complaints related to construction debris. Please place and secure worksite materials and debris appropriately to make sure they do not come into motion with the high winds to ensure the safety of those at or near worksites.
If you have any questions pertaining to construction worksite safety before, during or after a storm, please contact:
Safety Branch
Labour, Skills and Immigration
1-800-952-2687
safetybranch@novascotia.ca
Thank you for your continued diligence in ensuring the health and safety of all Nova Scotians.