**** HRM Media Release
Municipal update on the impacts of Hurricane Lee – September 16, 5:15 p.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following updates and impacts to municipal services as a result of Hurricane Lee. Municipal service adjustments will continue to be made throughout the severe weather event. For the latest information, visit our website.
Weather update
While strong winds and rain are expected to continue throughout the evening, the most significant impacts will be the storm surge. Of particular concern is tonight’s high tide, the peak of which will occur around 9 p.m.
Safety
Peggy’s Cove remains closed to the public. Residents are strongly urged to stay away from all shoreline areas as they still pose an extreme risk, especially during the peak tide period. In addition to Peggy’s Cove, areas of significant concern remain the Eastern Shore and the Bedford, Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts. Security and police presences have increased on the Halifax waterfront. Residents are reminded to respect posted signage and barriers as the area is considered extremely dangerous.
Residents are urged to remain off the roads for non-essential travel as there are reports of downed trees and powerlines across the region. Many shoreline roads are now closed due to washouts and impassible conditions.
See a map of closed roads due to downed trees, powerlines, washed out culverts and the storm surge. Crews and first responders continue to assess locations and the map will be updated as new areas are identified.
Residents are requested to report any damage to 311.
Register for hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system to receive urgent and non-urgent public alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up here.
For more information about what residents can do in the wake of the severe weather, visit our website.
Parks and Recreation Centres
Due to weather conditions, downed trees and widespread power outages, all municipal parks and most municipal recreation facilities are closed for the remainder of the day. Contact your local recreation centre for more information.
Due to widespread power outages, many municipal recreation facilities will delay opening on Sunday, September 17. A decision will be made by 10 a.m. (with potential re-opening at noon) regarding whether rentals/facilities/programming activities will continue as scheduled. Please call your local Recreation Centre for further information.
As previously announced, all grass fields, all-weather fields and the Halifax Public Gardens will be closed this weekend. Residents may check field conditions on our website.
Halifax Transit
Residents are advised of the following significant service disruptions:
- The MacKay Bridge remains closed to high-sided vehicles and buses will be re-routed as required; and
- Ferry operations were suspended as of 10:15 a.m.
Most conventional bus and Access-A-Bus trips are expected to continue as scheduled throughout the day; however, residents should expect delays as the weather system moves through the region over the next 12 hours. Updates are shared on halifax.ca/transit, as well as Twitter (X).
Helping address homelessness
As previously announced, the Province of Nova Scotia is operating the following emergency shelters for those experiencing homelessness as of 6 p.m. on Friday, September 15:
- Captain Spry Community Centre (16 Sussex Street, Halifax)
- St. Matthew’s Church (1479 Barrington Street, Halifax)
- Beacon House (125 Metropolitan Avenue, Lower Sackville)
Street Outreach Navigators have been visiting encampment sites to advise people of sheltering options available.
The Halifax Ground Search and Rescue team continue to do wellness checks to check on the safety of anyone who chooses not to leave an encampment or outdoor sheltering location.
Well water
Residents who have a private well or draw water from nearby lakes or other water bodies usually use pumps to supply water to their homes and buildings. During a power outage, this can be interrupted, and there is also the potential for water contamination from surface flooding and pollution. For more information and resources, visit Halifax Water’s website.
For more information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter (X), Facebook and Instagram.
