Much of island under an “orange” warning, with Environment Canada forecasting significant rainfall to last until Monday

**Three Cape Breton Counties Declare Local Emergencies Amid Heavy Rainfall**

*Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia –* The municipalities of Inverness, Richmond and Victoria announced on Saturday that they had declared states of local emergency in response to severe flooding caused by heavy rains that have affected much of Cape Breton Island.

Environment Canada had issued an “orange” weather warning for the island, indicating severe, significant and widespread weather with major impacts expected to last several days. The warning was lifted at noon on Sunday.

The emergency declarations were issued jointly on Saturday and remained in effect through Sunday. Residents in the three counties were urged to avoid all non‑essential travel as the storm continued to produce significant flooding, road washouts and transportation disruptions. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) reported several flooded streets and road closures in Sydney, Beechmont, Loch Lomond and Benacadie, but did not declare a local emergency. The CBRM mayor, Cecil Clarke, noted that the Emergency Command Centre had moved to a monitoring status and that an emergency alert was not required at that time.

Emergency responders, municipal officials, Department of Public Works crews and other partners are working around the clock to respond to incidents, support affected residents and assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. “Public safety remains our top priority,” said Jerron Hawley, regional manager for Emergency Services for Western Cape Breton. “People should stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Reducing traffic in affected areas will help keep residents safe and allow emergency crews to respond quickly and efficiently.”

Premier Tim Houston visited Port Hawkesbury on Saturday with Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau to speak with a command centre team about the damage. Houston posted on his official social media that crews were assessing the damage but that the full extent would not be known until after the storm ended and floodwater receded. He also said the province would be ready to deploy the Nova Scotia Guard if needed and that crews and equipment would be pulled from other areas of the province to repair roads and infrastructure as quickly as possible.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his thoughts for those affected by the heavy rain and flooding in Eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.

A toll‑free municipal support line (902‑625‑7888) opened Sunday at 8 a.m. for residents of Inverness, Victoria, Richmond counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury to report non‑emergency issues related to the emergency. The line will remain open until further notice. Residents requiring immediate emergency assistance should call 911.

**Department of Emergency Management Guidance**

Under the states of local emergency, residents in Inverness, Richmond and Victoria counties are advised to:

* Not travel unless absolutely necessary.
* Check 511 Nova Scotia for current conditions.
* Never drive through flooded roads, standing water, washed‑out areas, or around barricades and road closures.
* Turn around and find an alternate route if water is encountered on the roadway.
* Remember that floodwaters may be deeper and moving faster than they appear.
* Give emergency responders, assessment teams and road crews the space they need to work safely.
* Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency officials.

Article and image source: saltwire.com