Erin to begin striking Maritimes today

Islanders can expect a soaking as the week comes to an end, thanks to tropical depression Erin.

The system or its remnants will approach western Nova Scotia this evening before tracking across Prince Edward Island early Friday, bringing heavy rains and wind gusts along with it.

The system did prompt a special weather statement to be issued for P.E.I. Wednesday afternoon. Environment Canada said total rainfall amounts of up to 60 millimetres are possible, along with southeasterly wind gusts up to 60 or 70 km/h.

Before that, though, Erin will start bringing heavy rain and gusts to much of the Maritimes beginning today and into Friday.

SaltWire Network meteorologist Cindy Day said Erin had been upgraded to a tropical storm at one point on Wednesday but weakened to tropical depression status later in the day.

Erin is expected to transition to a post-tropical system by the time it enters Canadian waters today.

As Erin approaches later today, some of its moisture will feed into this trough and likely enhance the rain intensity associated with it, said Environment Canada. The heavier rain and strongest winds associated directly with post-tropical Erin should reach the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia later this evening.

Some gusty winds will likely accompany post-tropical Erin, but they are not expected to reach warning criteria of 90 km/h or higher. Environment Canada warns winds could still be strong enough to cause isolated power outages and minor damage.

Gale warnings have been issued for the southwestern Maritime marine waters, where gale force southerlies up to 40 knots are expected by this evening.