Wild Newfoundland winds of 100-120 km/h threaten power outages, damage
Significant wind gusts, potentially reaching more than 100 km/h, will impact parts of Newfoundland on Saturday. With wind warnings in effect, residents are advised of possible hazardous travel and power outages.
A low-pressure system tracking across Atlantic Canada will continue to bring potentially damaging winds and high swells on Saturday as it moves farther across Newfoundland.
This system is bringing significant weather impacts, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high swells. Wind warnings are in effect, with the risk for power outages and disruptions to ferry services.
Through 2 p.m. local time, the following wind gusts have been reported:
Twillingate: 115 km/h
Bonavista: 112 km/h
Sagona Island: 101 km/h
Gander: 87 km/h
St. John’s: 82 km/h
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Stay updated with the latest information on this developing system, and any weather warnings in your area.
Damaging wind threat Saturday
The primary concern on Saturday will be strong winds, particularly for Newfoundland’s northern coast, where wind gusts between 110-120 km/h are forecast.
Wind warnings are in effect for Saturday in the region, with St. John’s set to experience its windiest day since May 13.
The strongest wind gusts for Green Bay-White Bay will continue through early Saturday afternoon, while the most potent gusts for the Bonavista and Avalon peninsulas are likely to continue into the evening.
Offshore, wave heights are expected to reach 4-7 metres, with 2-3 metres close to shore, increasing the risk of storm surge during high tides.
Fully leafed trees are more vulnerable to wind damage at this time of year than during the winter season. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.
Power outages and disruptions to ferry services are possible.
St. John’s experienced a maximum wind speed of 74 km/h between June and August, marking the lowest peak wind speed recorded during the summer months since 2007.
This made it the calmest summer in nearly two decades for the region.
Cooler-than-seasonal temperatures are expected this weekend and well into next week. However, temperatures should trend back to seasonal, and even above seasonal at times, late next week through the end of September, lingering into the beginning of October.