Power outages, wind damage as winter storm lashes Newfoundland
Severe weather wreaked havoc on Newfoundland and Labrador over the weekend, leaving around 6,000 Newfoundland Power customers without electricity as high winds, rain, and snow battered the island. Special weather statements and winter storm warnings were issued as Environment Canada predicted a messy mix of precipitation to continue into Monday morning.
Gander weather office meteorologist Veronica Sullivan reported that St. John’s International Airport had already received 10 mm of rain by 6:30 a.m. NT, with an additional 30 to 50 mm expected. Rain and drizzle were forecasted to persist throughout the day, with amounts ranging from 10-20 mm for the Avalon Peninsula.
The strong winds led to the cancellation of Marine Atlantic ferry crossings and left hazardous conditions for drivers. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a warning about broken glass on Harbour Drive in St. John’s due to flying debris.
Veronica Sullivan warned of winds between 90 km/h to 110 km/h, especially in coastal areas, posing risks for drivers and pedestrians. The forecast also included snow for some regions, with up to 15 cm expected in the Northern Peninsula, Green Bay, and White Bay areas.
While central and the Burin peninsula were expected to see some snow accumulation, it was likely to transition to rain and drizzle later in the day. Sullivan advised caution for travelers, as the combination of snow, rain, and high winds could result in poor visibility and treacherous road conditions.
The messy weather was expected to persist throughout the day, prompting Sullivan to suggest postponing travel plans. With blowing snow and reduced visibility, she emphasized the importance of staying safe and avoiding unnecessary risks.
For real-time updates on the weather conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador, users can download the free CBC News app and sign up for push alerts specific to the region. Additionally, they can subscribe to the daily headlines newsletter for the latest news updates. Stay informed and stay safe during this turbulent weather period.
