Storm surge, winds cause damage in South Shore communities

 

Danger of another damaging storm surge during next high tide tonight.

Communities along Nova Scotia's South Shore are assessing damage after high tide during post-tropical storm Lee caused flooding and washouts.

Mahone Bay resident Craig Stewart said storm surge peaked during high tide just before 10 a.m. Saturday.

Stewart said the water crested at about 1.5 metres above normal high-tide levels, causing some flooding on properties along Main Street.

According to Stewart, wind is the cause of much of the damage so far.

"We've seen one house had a tree fall on it right on Pleasant Street near downtown," he said.

"Fire crews have been active responding to downed power lines and there's been minor damage to properties. I lost a railing at about 8 a.m."

Boats broke away from moorings

Craig Stewart said properties along Main Street in Mahone Bay experienced some flooding as a result of the storm surge. (Craig Stewart)

He said most of the damage he has seen has been minor.

Stewart said the southeast winds are the "worst possible direction" as Mahone Bay is normally well protected and sheltered by the islands in the bay.

He said Lee has been pushing in water more than has been seen in years.

Noting that another high tide was expected tonight, Stewart said the winds are not expected to be as strong and he is hoping the storm surge is less severe.