Hurricane Igor prompts hurricane watches for N.L.

HALIFAX – Much of southeastern Newfoundland is battening down the hatches as Hurricane Igor nears the Grand Banks today for its forecasted blow-past.

Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches are in place for Newfoundland’s southeast and northeast coasts and heavy rains have already begun as a low pressure system is interacting with tropical moisture ahead of Igor.

By early this morning, parts of the Burin Peninsula had already been drenched in more than 90 millimetres of rain, and forecasters are warning up to 200mm is possible in some places.

“The amount of rain forecast means residents and communities must be diligent in emergency preparations to ensure minimal impact,” the provincial government said in an earlier release.

“Residents and municipal officials should assess their individual situations to determine the steps they can take to ensure their safety and security during this weather event and continue to closely monitor the forecast.”

The Canadian Hurricane Centre forecast sustained winds near 80 kilometres an hour with gusts up to 130 km/h in coastal locations such as Cape Race.

On Monday, Igor was barely a Category 1 hurricane when it pelted Bermuda with driving rain and powerful winds.

Forecasters called for Igor to change to a tropical storm soon after reaching the Grand Banks off Newfoundland.

The provincial advisory said the rain was expected to begin Monday night and continue throughout the morning Tuesday, which could make driving treacherous.

The forecast caused the Eastern School District to cancel all morning classes Tuesday.

Environment Canada said sea swells of up to two to three metres ahead of Igor would pound the Atlantic coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for several days.