Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing widespread winter conditions, resulting in school and office closures across several regions.
Widespread Disruptions
Environment Canada has issued weather alerts – including winter storm and rainfall warnings – for much of the province. Schools in Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, Pasadena, Deer Lake, and Stephenville are closed Thursday morning, with an update expected later in the day. Additional school closures are in effect for parts of central Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula. All schools in Labrador West are also closed due to the weather.
Meteorologist Justin Boudreau described the situation as a “dog’s breakfast,” indicating a complex mix of precipitation types. The west coast of Newfoundland saw snow arrive Wednesday night, while southern areas are experiencing a shift to ice pellets, and rain. Snow is expected to continue further north.
Visibility is reduced from Port aux Basques to Birchy Narrows. Travel is not recommended in the Bay St. George area, the Port au Port area, along the Burgeo highway, and on the Trans-Canada Highway between Gallants and Pasadena, and Tompkins to Cape Ray.
On the Avalon Peninsula, conditions are currently less severe, with ice pellets expected to change to freezing rain or freezing drizzle before shifting to rain and drizzle. A return to snow is possible by Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under a school closure?
Schools are closed in Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, Pasadena, Deer Lake, Stephenville, parts of central Newfoundland, the Avalon Peninsula, and all of Labrador West.
What type of weather is expected on the Avalon Peninsula?
Ice pellets are expected to change to freezing rain or freezing drizzle in the morning and early afternoon, then shift to rain and drizzle, potentially transitioning back to snow by Friday.
What are the travel conditions like in western Newfoundland?
Visibility is reduced, and travel is not recommended in the Bay St. George area, the Port au Port area, the Burgeo highway, or on the Trans-Canada Highway from Gallants to Pasadena and Tompkins to Cape Ray.
As conditions continue to evolve, will you be prepared for the changing weather this week?
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