Nova Scotians preparing to batten down the hatches ahead of Hurricane Erin
Nova Scotia is preparing for the potential effects of Hurricane Erin as it moves northward in the Atlantic Ocean. Boat owners, beachgoers and wildland firefighters are all watching Erin's path closely.
When there’s a hurricane en route, members at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) are asked to disconnect from power, double all lines and make sure their masts do not line up directly with a neighbouring yacht.
“The modelling shows that the eye of the storm is going to be well offshore but we may see some surf and some wind here, but we’re not going to go to panic mode until we know a little bit better. At that point, we’ll start moving the boats a little bit off the marina systems, try to tuck them in farther," said Chris Fraser, RNSYS marine services manager.
Meanwhile, farther inland in the province, crews battling an out-of-control wildfire in Annapolis County, N.S., are now faced with prospect of increased wind speed in an unfavourable direction thanks to Erin.
Sailboat tied up with a double line in Halifax, N.S., ahead of Hurricane Erin. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
“It’s rare. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and it’s the first time I’ve encountered this,” said Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources.
He says the one benefit is having the advanced notice that it’s coming, allowing crews to prepare ahead of time.
“There’s certainly potential for growth of that fire given the wind patterns that are going to be coming on the weekend," said Tingley.
Dry conditions across the province have meant a ban on entering the woods, with more people heading to the coastline instead.
Surfers on Lawrencetown Beach in Lawrencetown, N.S., on Aug. 19, 2025. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
“Beaches have been packed, parking lots have been full, and our lifeguards have been very busy every day," said Paul D’Eon, director of the Lifesaving Society of Nova Scotia.
With the potential additional hazards due to storm surge and strong rip tides, the Lifesaving Society of Nova Scotia is advising swimmers to wait until conditions calm down after the storm passes before going into the water.
We will continue to keep you updated on Hurricane Erin's progress at The Weather Network.