Hurricane Erin Passes South, Waves Build Offshore

Hurricane Erin continues its track to the southeast of Atlantic Canada tonight and into Saturday. The storm will remain far enough offshore that we won’t see major impacts here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it’s still close enough to leave its mark.

The most noticeable effect will be the waves. Offshore, significant wave heights could peak around 4 meters southeast of Cape Race by late Saturday, with maximum waves reaching double that at times — possibly as high as 8 meters near shore and up to 11 meters farther offshore. Onshore waves of 3 to 6 meters are expected for parts of the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas, especially Saturday for east and south facing shorelines. Conditions will improve quickly by Sunday as the storm moves away.

Winds will also be breezy at times, especially around Cape Race where gusts could top 70 km/h Saturday, before easing into Sunday. Otherwise, widespread tropical storm or hurricane-force winds are not expected.

A bit of drizzle and fog is possible along the northeast coast Saturday, but no significant rainfall is expected. Any moisture that does come ashore could still provide some help for ongoing fire suppression efforts, particularly at the Kingston fire site.

Temperatures this weekend will range from cooler conditions in the northeast on Saturday to a milder day on Sunday for much of the island. In Labrador, Saturday looks fairer before showers move in on Sunday. Looking ahead, the next meaningful chance of province-wide rain comes Tuesday.

Stay safe if you’re heading out on the water — especially Saturday — and enjoy what looks to be a better day Sunday across most of Newfoundland and Labrador.