Hurricane Juan

Landfall | Summary
Posting Date: September 29, 2003, 12:00:00 PM

As of 5:00 a.m. EDT, Monday, September 29, 2003, Tropical Storm Juan was located about 50 miles (80 km) north-northeast of North Point on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Juan is moving toward the north at about 40 mph (60 kph) and some further increase in forward speed is expected over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained wind speed is about 70 mph (110 kph) with higher gusts. Estimated minimum central pressure is estimated at 987 mb. Juan is expected to weaken further in the next 24 hours. Juan began as a tropical depression on September 25. At it's greatest strength, it reached sustained wind speeds of 105 mph (165 kph), making it a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale. After weakening slightly in the colder northern waters, Hurricane Juan made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along the south coast of Nova Scotia, just west of Halifax, at around 11:00 p.m. Sunday evening, September 28. It was the first time in 40 years that Halifax had been hit directly by a hurricane. With 80 mph (130 kph) winds, Hurricane Juan knocked down trees and power lines. One apartment complex in the Dartmouth area and a commercial building collapsed as a result of the storm and windows were blown out. Several other buildings, including the ferry terminal, docking facilities, and the wharf-side area have been closed down as unsafe. At least one boat was reported sunk. Reports of damage included numerous reports of downed trees blocking roads and damaging homes. Hundreds of residents in low-lying areas were evacuated at the height of the storm for fear of storm surge and floods. At least two deaths due to falling trees have been reported. The Halifax Regional Municipality has declared a state of emergency, closing the airport, mass transit, bridges and schools.

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Posting Date: September 29, 2003, 12:00:00 PM