Impact of the Coastal, Offshore and Inland Regions of Atlantic Canada on Tropical Cyclone Formation

The differences in the coastal, offshore, and inland regions of Atlantic Canada influence the impacts of tropical cyclones:

Tropical cyclones that move into offshore Atlantic Canada are influenced by these geographical conditions. In the absence of strong steering winds, the warm waters and currents of the Gulf Stream act as a preferred path for tropical cyclones, giving them the energy to continue further north and allowing wind speeds to stay high due to reduced wind resistance.

When a tropical cyclone makes landfall in Atlantic Canada, it is immediately slowed down by the rough topography of the region and the lack of a warm water energy source. (See: What Happens When Tropical Cyclones Near Canada?) Shelter is easily sought from the storms in the numerous bays and estuaries along the coast. The high tides of the Bay of Fundy tend to decrease the damage done by storm surge. If the range between high tide and low tide is over 16 metres, a storm surge of 2 metres will not do any damage unless the tide is at its high point when the storm hits.

Tropical cyclones don’t generally make too much progress if they reach into inland Atlantic Canada. However, larger cyclones that extend into the ocean can circulate precipitation and high winds into inland regions.