The last significant storm to bring hurricane-force winds to Prince Edward Island (PEI) was Post-Tropical Storm Fiona, which made landfall on September 23-24, 2022.
Understanding Post-Tropical Storm Fiona's Impact
While technically classified as a post-tropical storm upon its arrival in Atlantic Canada, Fiona retained the destructive power of a hurricane, delivering immense hurricane-force winds and significant rainfall across Prince Edward Island. This powerful weather event caused widespread damage and disruption, making it one of the most impactful storms in the island's recent history. For more information on Fiona's impact across Canada, you can refer to official government reports and meteorological agencies.
Key Details of Fiona's Arrival
Fiona's transition from a hurricane to a post-tropical storm did not diminish its severe impact on PEI. Its extensive wind field and intense rainfall led to unprecedented challenges for the island province.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Storm Name | Post-Tropical Storm Fiona |
| Date | September 23-24, 2022 |
| Primary Impact | Hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall |
| Classification | Post-tropical (retained hurricane-level intensity) |
Significant Effects on Prince Edward Island
The impact of Post-Tropical Storm Fiona on Prince Edward Island was profound and far-reaching. The storm caused widespread damage, disrupting daily life and requiring extensive recovery efforts.
Key effects included:
- Widespread Power Outages: Tens of thousands of residents lost electricity, with some areas remaining without power for weeks due to extensive damage to infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads were washed out, bridges were compromised, and coastal communities experienced significant erosion and structural damage to homes and businesses.
- Forestry Devastation: The island's forests suffered immense damage, with countless trees uprooted or snapped, leading to considerable economic and ecological impact. The extensive damage prompted significant recovery programs.
- Agricultural Losses: Farmers faced substantial losses to crops and infrastructure, impacting the province's vital agricultural sector.
- Coastal Erosion: The powerful storm surge and waves reshaped coastlines, altering beaches and impacting delicate ecosystems.
The Classification of Tropical Cyclones
It's important to understand the terminology surrounding tropical cyclones. A "hurricane" is a type of tropical cyclone that forms over tropical or subtropical waters and has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher. As these storms move poleward or encounter colder waters and wind shear, they can lose their tropical characteristics but still maintain significant strength. When this happens, they are often reclassified as "post-tropical storms" while still delivering hurricane-force winds, as was the case with Fiona. Therefore, while Fiona was technically post-tropical, its impact was equivalent to that of a major hurricane hitting the island.
