Boxing Day storm to hit Newfoundland with more snow and hazardous travel
Another powerful system will arrive on Friday, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and whiteout conditions to areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Just as communities begin to recover from a Christmas Day blizzard, another powerful storm is set to hit Newfoundland and Labrador on Boxing Day.
The slow-moving system will follow a similar path, bringing additional heavy snow, gusty winds and potentially dangerous travel conditions through Friday and into the weekend.
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Significant impacts are expected
Boxing Day and Saturday are expected to be challenging travel days due to snow-covered roads, poor visibility and strong winds. Whiteout conditions are possible on occasion, particularly in exposed coastal areas.
Strong winds may also cause power outages and blowing snow may reduce visibility across Newfoundland and Labrador over the holiday weekend.
Christmas Day blizzard sets the stage
A powerful storm on Christmas Day caused blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall in eastern and northern Newfoundland. As warmer air moved in, rain began to fall in St. John's, while heavy snow remained in the central and northern regions.
The snowpack left behind by Thursday's storm will worsen the effects of the Boxing Day system, boosting the risk of blowing snow and prolonged whiteout conditions as winds intensify.
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What to expect from Friday's storm
Following a similar path to the Christmas Day system will result in more snow across the Avalon and beyond. The slow-moving system elevates the likelihood of heavy snowfall.
There is an increased likelihood that this storm will retrograde over the island, turning blizzard conditions into rain in parts of eastern Newfoundland. Warmer air is expected to move further inland by Saturday than during the Christmas storm.
St. John's could receive an additional 20-30 cm of snow, however warmer air and up to 10 mm of rain may limit totals. Central and northeastern Newfoundland could gain an additional 25-40 cm.
If warmer air remains offshore, strong winds over existing snow could result in prolonged blizzard conditions through Saturday.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Newfoundland.