Freezing rain brings slick roads, power outage risk over Newfoundland
Threat for dangerous travel and power outages, as wintry storm system takes aim at Newfoundland into Friday
There will be no break in the active weather pattern as the month of November finishes off in Atlantic Canada, with Newfoundland next in line for a wintry, icy mix.
Ice accretion through Thursday could result in some difficult travel conditions, especially for those still yet to get their winter tires on. Freezing rain warnings cover parts of the island, and drivers are being urged to adapt to the changing road conditions.
Meanwhile, a swath of heavy rain targets the island's south coast, with the risk for localized flooding in low lying areas. As much as 80 mm of rain could fall through Friday.
Thursday into Friday
A heavy blast of snow left thousands of customers in the dark in Fredericton, N.B., on Wednesday, after reports of 15 cm surfaced by the evening hours. Meanwhile, heavy rain totals between 40-70 mm threatened parts of Nova Scotia through the morning on Thursday.
The wintry precipitation began to push into Newfoundland early Thursday, as well, set to spread across much of the region as the day wears on.
Roughly five hours of freezing rain is expected, especially along the Trans-Canada Highway, from Gander to Corner Brook. A freezing rain warning covers the area.
Ice accretion is likely, which could create some slick conditions on the roads and sidewalks, and could also lead to some local power outages.
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Western and northern areas of the island will also see a fair amount of snow, with 5-15 cm for the latter region.
As temperatures rise, the wintry mix will change to rain in all areas before dawn on Friday.
A widespread 20-30 mm of rain is expected before the system pushes out, with locally higher amounts up to 80 mm possible over the south coast. Rainfall warnings have been issued for the south, with the threat for flooding in places in the lowlands.
Rain clears from west to east late Friday morning and through the afternoon.
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Looking ahead, conditions will be blustery and turning colder behind the system. Much colder-than-normal temperatures are expected for Friday through the weekend.
A strong storm is expected early next week for Atlantic Canada, as low pressure off the east coast of the U.S. will rapidly intensify as it tracks into the Maritimes. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected, but some mixing and wet snow are likely northwest of the storm track for parts of New Brunswick and especially into eastern Quebec. Another significant system is possible during the second half of next week, as well.
Though the Avalon has avoided the snow from the last few storms, the luck is running out. The next storm won’t take its time reaching Newfoundland. By Saturday morning, the top edge of quickly moving system will clip the Avalon, leaving behind about 5 cm.
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Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates in Atlantic Canada.