As it begins to interact with a cold weather system and jet stream, it will transition into a superstorm with characteristics of both a strong hurricane and a strong autumn cyclone with hurricane-force winds, very heavy rain, and large storm surge and waves," explained Tang.

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting the storm "to continue producing hurricane-force winds as it crosses Nova Scotia and moves into the Gulf of St.

Lawrence." In fact, the storm could still carry winds over 100 mph when it slams onshore.

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and western Newfoundland could receive up to 6 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches.

This could result in significant flash flooding.

"We want people to take it very seriously and be prepared for a long period of utility outages and structural damage to buildings," explained Fogarty.

Life-threatening storm surge and large waves are forecast for the region.

Mike Savage, the mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality, the capital of Nova Scotia, warned wave watchers and surfers to stay away from coastal areas, adding people who live near the coast "must be prepared to move on short notice and pay close attention to possible evacuation orders."

"Throughout our entire Halifax region you should be prepared for downed trees, extended power outages and local flood conditions," the mayor added.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Amanda McDougall said officials are preparing and working to ensure residents will be safe, as the area is in "the direct impact zone."

"We need to make sure that there's going to be a center for people to go to prior to the storm because we know that there are different types of housing that are not going to be able to withstand the winds, the flooding, the way other buildings may," McDougall said.

How to prepare for a hurricane

Some of the waves over eastern portions of the Gulf of St.