Strong wind and heavy rain from Tropical Storm Leslie hit the eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland as the storm made landfall Tuesday, knocking out power in several communities, forcing the cancellation of some flights, and the evacuation of some residents. The storm hit Fortune, Newfoundland on Tuesday morning (1130 GMT) as it continued to move north-northeast at about 65 kilometers per hour (kph), the Halifax-based Canadian Hurricane Center (CHC) said. Winds were increasing, with the Saint John's airport recording hurricane-force gusts of up to 131 kph, while sea waves were reaching 10 meters at an offshore buoy. Several towns along eastern Newfoundland had already lost electricity, and flights were cancelled before the storm made landfall. The CHC predicted at least 12 hours of intense rain over the northeastern province's hilly terrain, which could generate rapid runoffs. The agency also warned of possible damage from toppled trees, flooded streets, and downed power lines. Leslie was not expected to be a strong as Hurricane Igor, which caused nearly $130 million in damages and left some parts of Newfoundland without electricity for several days in 2010, the CHC said.
