Strongest winds of 2024 to blow through Newfoundland
Powerful winds, heavy precipitation, and blizzard conditions are all possible as a powerful storm hits Atlantic Canada to end the week
A powerful storm ramping up across Atlantic Canada will bring powerful winds and heavy precipitation to Newfoundland and Labrador overnight Thursday and into the day Friday.
This system’s rapid intensification will allow it to produce ripping winds that could approach the strongest gusts we’ve seen in St. John’s and Gander all year.
Blizzard conditions are possible in parts of Labrador on the cold side of this intense system.
Prepare for dangerous travel conditions, ferry delays and cancellations, as well as potential power outages as this storm sweeps through the region.
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A low-pressure system that moved over the Maritimes on Thursday will make its way across the Gulf of St. Lawrence overnight into Friday. This storm’s minimum central pressure could potentially drop 24 mb in 24 hours, which would fulfill the criteria for a 'weather bomb.'
Lows that rapidly intensify like this can produce wicked winds as much as 100 km/h or stronger—and that’s exactly what forecasters are expecting across parts of Newfoundland into Friday.
While the worst is behind us for the Maritimes, the region will still contend with gusty winds and some sea-effect snow through Friday.
Year’s strongest winds in Newfoundland
The year’s strongest wind gusts are likely in parts of Newfoundland. Wind gusts will roar in excess of 90 km/h across the entire island, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 110 km/h at times. These winds could lead to power outages through the event.
SEE ALSO: Rain, rain, go away: St. John’s records its all-time wettest November
The peak wind gust so far this year in St. John’s was 102 km/h on Jan. 19, while the year’s strongest gust in Gander was 96 km/h back on Mar. 24. Both communities stand a solid chance of exceeding these benchmarks on Friday.
Heavy rainfall and snowfall rates are expected to continue across Newfoundland through Friday morning as this low-pressure system approaches the region. Conditions will improve by Friday afternoon, but gusty winds will help whip up some sea-effect snow in spots.
Snowfall totals of 5-10 cm are expected across western Newfoundland, with the greatest totals expected at higher elevations on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Blizzard possible in Labrador
Folks across Labrador should gear up for potential blizzard conditions through the day Friday.
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Heavy snowfall rates will range from 2-5+ cm per hour during the peak of the storm. Wind gusts of 80-100 km/h along Labrador’s coast will pick up Friday morning and continue through the day. The combination of heavy snowfall rates and very strong winds will create blizzard conditions at times.
Forecasters expect just about all population centres in Labrador to pick up 10-20 cm of snow from this system, with locally higher totals possible. Higher drifts are likely as a result of the blustery conditions.
Much milder air will spread into the region early next week, along with two significant low-pressure systems. The storm tracks and impacts are still uncertain, but primarily rain appears to be most likely for most of the population centres. Above-seasonal temperatures are expected to dominate during mid-December.
