The Office of Public Safety issues the following public safety advisory:

Islanders are urged to take precautionary measures to protect against the potential effects from high winds, heavy rains and storm surge predicted for tomorrow.

Environment Canada has issued a warning that significant rainfall is expected to begin late this evening, along with potentially damaging winds and elevated coastal water levels. Higher than normal water levels due to storm surge, high waves and pounding surf is predicted to impact exposed coastlines of Prince Edward Island on Wednesday.

Storm surge can cause local flooding and beach and shoreline erosion, and can damage structures. Islanders are encouraged to take precautionary measures for personal safety and to protect their property.

The Office of Public Safety offers the following safety tips for Islanders.

Before the storm:

• If your home may be at risk of flooding, consider staying with a friend or relative in another area to wait out the storm.

• Move boats out of the water to reduce the risk of damage to the boat or the dock.

• Sandbags may help prevent water from entering your home or business.

• Keep your emergency kit close at hand. Check supplies including medications, radio, flashlight and batteries.

• Make an emergency plan for pets and livestock.

During the storm:

• Never go down to the shore to watch the storm. People are killed when swept away by the rushing water.

• Do not drive through flood waters.

• Stay inside where you are protected from the water.

• Keep pets inside and out of harm’s way.

With predicted rainfall amounts of 60 to 100 millimetres, strong northerly winds expected to gust to 100 km/h, and leaves still on most trees, there is a high risk that branches will break and trees will topple. Take precautionary measures. Take in or tie down anything that can be blown around, cut down dead tree limbs, and do not park under trees.

Monitor the storm's progress and listen for warnings or instructions from local officials. For more information on personal emergency preparedness, visit www.peipublicsafety or follow @peipublicsafety on Twitter or Facebook.