Post-tropical storm Andrea may hit the Maritimes Friday night

Tropical Storm Andrea on track with strong winds and heavy rain

CBC News

Posted: Jun 5, 2013 7:57 PM AT

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2013 10:23 PM AT

The Maritime provinces might be heading for a messy weekend, with forecasters predicting the region will be hit by the aftermath of 2013's first named storm.

Tropical Storm Andrea formed off the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday.

 

It's on track to hit New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island late Friday and through the day Saturday. By that point, CBC Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell said it will no longer be a named storm, but it could still pack a punch.

"It does look like the system will arrive in the Maritimes post-tropical this weekend with some strong and gusty winds and the potential for heavy rainfall," Mitchell said.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre said winds could be around 75 kilometres per hour.
Mitchell said the track could easily change in the next 48 hours, altering which parts of the Maritimes may be hit with the messy weather.

 

Two weeks ago, the Canadian Hurricane Centre released its prediction for this year, saying it will be a busy year with up to 20 named storms in the Atlantic. Three to six could be major hurricanes.
But Mitchell said Tropical Storm Andrea is not considered to be early. Last year, the first storm of 2012 — Alberto — formed on May 19.

"You can't tell the tale of a season by one storm," said Mitchell. "But the predictions this year were for a more active hurricane season, more named storms, more stronger storms and certainly now it’s off to a quick start."