HRM residents in high-risk areas urged to evacuate their homes

First at Five: The calm after the storm As Teddy makes its way out of the Region, Maritimers are feeling grateful since the post-storm damage is minimal compared to years past.

HALIFAX — Residents living along the coast in some Halifax-area communities are being urged to evacuate their homes due to the risk of high storm surges resulting from Hurricane Teddy.

The Halifax Regional Municipality said citizens living in high-risk areas in the Sambro area, Peggy’s Cove, and along the Eastern Shore should make plans to immediately self-evacuate their homes.

Residents are encouraged to be in alternative locations before the storm hits.

While evacuation is encouraged, it is not mandatory.

Anyone who plans to self-evacuate for safety reasons is asked to contact 311 by 8 p.m. to self-register.

HRM residents are also being advised to stay away from coastal or low-lying areas, including the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.

Meanwhile, the road to Peggy’s Cove, Lawrencetown Road, and Highway 207 from Seaforth and Chezzetcook are closed to non-residents.

Officials are also asking motorists to stay off the roads when possible.

Hurricane Teddy isn’t expected to hit the Maritimes until Wednesday, as a post-tropical storm, but the system brought heavy rain, strong winds and pounding waves to the Halifax area on Tuesday.

As a result, Halifax Transit suspended all ferry service as of 2:30 p.m. All bus service will be suspended as of 7 p.m. Ferry and bus service will resume no earlier than noon Wednesday.