Vernon resident experiences post-tropical storm up close

Rebecca Barton picked an interesting time to embark on what was expected to be relaxing, sight-seeing trip visiting relatives in Atlantic Canada.

The Vernon resident — and 107.5 Beach Radio morning co-host — departed the Okanagan late last week with her aunt Jennifer Knox for Nova Scotia. Days later, she was in the eye of post-tropical storm Fiona that tore through parts of the Maritimes over the weekend.

“It’s been quite an adventure,” said Barton who was staying in a hotel in Halifax the night the storm hit, experiencing strong winds and heavy rain.

“We were scared because it was windy, but we didn’t get anything close to what they got in Port aux Basques [Newfoundland]. It was nothing like that kind of damage.”

Road on way to Antigonish, Nova Scotia showing damage from tropical storm Fiona. (submitted photo/Rebecca Barton)

Barton said the damage in Halifax was mostly downed trees, some on homes and cars, after wind gusts of up to 100 km/h.

“It’s amazing how the people here are so kind. Our hotel had flashlights for the guests and everyone was boiling water on Bunson burners so we could have coffee. Everybody is really helping each other. The Maritimers are so kind.” she said.

The Vernon residents travelled by vehicle to Antigonish, Nova Scotia Monday. Barton said the damage in that area was significant, and nothing like she had ever seen before.

“It’s not even safe here, it’s so bad,” she remarked noting there was no power in the town, nothing was open and trees were down everywhere.

Damage to home in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. (submitted photo/Rebecca Barton)

Barton said she’s had a number of people back home checking up on them to make sure they are OK.

Barton’s mother, Kate Knox, was born in Nova Scotia, as was Jennifer Knox’s mother, which was the impetus for the trip.

“They lived here quite a while and my mom passed away recently so we just came back to see some family members and see where my mom grew up,” Barton, a married mother of three daughters, told Vernon Matters.

Barton and Knox will return home Oct. 2.

Rebecca Barton with her Beach Radio co-host Brian Martin. (Pattison Media)

There could be as many as three Fiona-related deaths in Atlantic Canada.

The RCMP say 81-year-old Larry Smith of Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia is believed to have been swept out to sea during post-tropical storm Fiona.

A 73-year-old woman in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland died after the storm surge flooded her home and swept her out to sea.

Generator use may be to blame for a possible Fiona-related fatality in Prince Edward Island.

Hydro crews are working around the clock to get power restored, but officials say it could take days before everyone’s lights are back on.

About 100 Canadian Armed Forces members are being deployed to help with the cleanup in southwestern Newfoundland, with similar deployments to Nova Scotia and PEI.

(With files from The Canadian Press)