Courtesy NB EMO

Officials with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization are urging residents to batten down the hatches as Hurricane Fiona approaches.

At a media briefing Thursday afternoon, Public Safety Minister Bill Hogan said we shouldn’t take the storm lightly and a significant impact is likely especially in the Southeast region.

Hogan says a storm surge and possible flooding along the eastern coastline will be especially concerning from Cap-Pelé to Miramichi Bay.

“How much of a storm surge is yet to be seen, because we don’t know the exact track of the storm and we won’t know the intensity of the storm. There will be storm surge for sure and the residents should prepare for that,” noted Hogan.

If any evacuations are needed, Hogan said an emergency alert will go out and communities will be informed.

He said travel will not be recommended especially in the eastern half of New Brunswick.

Hogan also urged households to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready in the event of power outages.