Severe winter weather has hit Newfoundland and Labrador, affecting numerous areas with heavy snowfall and strong winds. While the Avalon and Burin regions have seen winter weather warnings lifted, alerts persist for parts of central Newfoundland, the west coast, and Labrador.
Weather Warnings and Forecasts
The Green Bay-White Bay area faces the brunt of the storm, anticipating up to 60 cm of snow and wind gusts reaching 110 km/h until early Sunday. Graham MacDonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, indicated that December has been unusually busy with severe weather patterns compared to recent years. “It feels like this winter is trying to make up for the past ones we’ve had,” MacDonald noted.
Impact on Travel and Services
Driving conditions have deteriorated across the province. Authorities recommend avoiding travel in several central and Northern Peninsula regions. Significant impacts include:
- Route 510 in Labrador closed between Red Bay and Lodge Bay.
- Over 3,000 customers lost power around Musgrave Harbour, Twillingate, and Summerford.
- Cancellations of Marine Atlantic ferries between North Sydney and Port aux Basques.
- Delays and cancellations for several flights at St. John’s International Airport.
Snowfall accumulation may exceed 80 cm in the Lewis Hills – Serpentine Lake area, with conditions expected to improve later Saturday for the Bay of Exploits and Grand Falls-Windsor as snow transitions to rain.
Community Perspectives
Not all feedback about the snowy conditions is negative. Linda Chaisson, the Mayor of Corner Brook, highlighted the benefits of the heavy snowfall for local tourism and the economy. “We’re having what a lot of seniors have told me is an old-fashioned winter,” she remarked, noting the anticipated opening of the Marble Mountain ski slopes for winter enthusiasts.
While severe snowfall and winds continue to pose challenges, many in Newfoundland and Labrador are also embracing the winter season enthusiastically.
