One year ago today, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the Annapolis Valley that was later upgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning.
It was a normal summer day in July with consistent warm temperatures that persisted through the week, with thunderstorm watches being issued by Environment & Climate Change Canada.
There was a possibility of severe thunderstorms, only a year after the devastating floods that took place in West Hants in July of 2023, claiming the lives of four individuals.
Heavy rains, which were not forecasted, began in the early afternoon hours, causing localized flooding in many communities in Annapolis County, eventually working its way towards the core of the valley.
Photos began circulating from across Annapolis & Kings County of numerous flooding conditions and washouts from Cornwallis to Dempsey’s corner by residents.
Rain persisted throughout the late afternoon hours and evening, producing localized flooding and damage to infrastructure, resulting in many roads being washed out or inaccessible.
Emergency services were beginning to receive calls for a variety of incidents ranging from flooded basements, flooded roads and rescue calls.
Evacuations took place along Main Street in Kentville as flooding and high tides threatened homes. Firefighters and police assisted with evacuations and road closures in the area.
Crews also aided in a nearby rescue off of Highway 12 for an individual stranded in a tree near a river bank.
Additional calls were coming in for more floods, prompting response from Department of Public Works to assist with clearing out culverts and road closures.
As the evening persisted, additional calls were made for a missing youth in Wolfville around 740PM. Firefighters, EHS & RCMP rushed to the scene with Ground Search & Rescue and Police Dog Services also aiding in the effort.
Around 830PM, an emergency alert was issued – “Flash Flood alert. Digby, Annapolis, Kings, Hants counties. Heavy rain caused by thunderstorms passing through areas of the province are causing some localized flooding and washouts of roads. Flash flooding has been reported. Residents are advised to listen to local forecast and use caution if traveling.”
The following day, RCMP held a press conference at the Wolfville Detachment, reporting one youth who had been located deceased near a culvert as a result of the flooding conditions.
The emergency alert was issued 50 minutes after RCMP reported the incident had occurred in the Wolfville area involving the youth.
Hantsport firefighters with assistance from numerous fire departments and agencies safely rescued residents from a home in Hants Border in the late evening hours as river waters rose creating swiftwater currents around a residential home.
The following day, the impacts were felt across the Annapolis Valley, with washouts being reported from Annapolis County to as far as Hants County.
The Halls Harbour wharf suffered significant damage, disconnecting the community. Additional impacts were felt in Cornwallis where Highway 1 suffered severe damage as well.
Communities rallied together to help local businesses and property owners who suffered damages.
Months of repairs took place to culverts, bridges, and many roads which suffered significant damage as a result of almost 100mm of rain in a very short time period.
These events remind of us of how important warnings and watches are and how unpredictable weather can be.
The community of Wolfville came in waves to support the family of the late Eli Young, who tragically died. A monument of rocks was placed near the culvert in which became overwhelmed with water.
Our thoughts remain with the family of Eli, first responders, and the community, even a year after the devastating flooding which impacted our communities.
Adrian J.
