Winter Storms Slam N.L. with Heavy Snow and High Winds

Newfoundland and Labrador are currently experiencing a significant winter storm, characterized by heavy snowfall and high winds. While winter weather warnings have been lifted for various regions, they remain in effect for parts of central and western Newfoundland, as well as much of coastal Labrador.

Severe Weather Warnings

The Green Bay-White Bay area is under the most severe weather warnings, experiencing wind gusts reaching up to 110 km/h. Environment Canada predicts this tumultuous weather to last until early Sunday. Higher elevations in western Newfoundland could see snow accumulations exceeding 65 centimetres.

Graham MacDonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, noted that the onset of December has been remarkably busy compared to previous years. He remarked that multiple snowstorms in December were common a decade ago, but such frequency has diminished. “It feels like this winter is trying to make up for the past ones we’ve had,” MacDonald stated.

Impact on Transportation and Power

• The weather has rendered travel hazardous across much of the province.
• Officials have advised against travel in parts of central Newfoundland and the Northern Peninsula.
• Route 510 in Labrador was closed between Red Bay and Lodge Bay on Saturday evening.
• Power outages affected over 3,000 residents around Musgrave Harbour, Twillingate, and Summerford.
• After restoration, hundreds still faced outages elsewhere in the province.
• Marine Atlantic canceled all ferry services between North Sydney and Port aux Basques for Saturday.
• Numerous flights from St. John’s International Airport experienced cancellations and delays.

Local Perspectives on the Storm

Despite the harsh weather, not everyone is deterred. Linda Chaisson, the Mayor of Corner Brook, emphasized that the persistent snow beneficially impacts tourism and local economic activities. She mentioned that cross-country skiing and other snow-related sports are expected to attract visitors soon. “We are having what a lot of seniors have told me is an old fashioned winter,” Chaisson said, adding that snow falls every day.

Forecast and Warnings

Stormy conditions will continue on the western side of the island until Sunday, with forecasted snowfall potentially exceeding 80 centimetres in areas such as Lewis Hills-Serpentine Lake and the Anguille Mountains. In coastal Labrador, rain may replace snow by Saturday evening. Additionally, areas around Labrador City are under a yellow cold warning, with wind chill values plummeting to -45 degrees Celsius until Sunday morning.

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