Weather snow storm shuts down metro Newfoundland as heavy snow hits

A powerful weather snow storm is slamming Newfoundland, forcing widespread shutdowns across the metro area as heavy snow and strong winds move across the island.

Schools, businesses, and government offices are closed as residents are urged to stay off the roads. Metrobus and GoBus services are suspended for the day, and all flights in and out of St. John’s International Airport are cancelled.

Forecasters say eastern parts of the island could see significant snowfall, with the Northeast Avalon expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

Snowfall totals of up to 50 centimetres are possible, while winds are forecast to gust up to 100 kilometres per hour, creating dangerous conditions.

Environment Canada meteorologist Veronica Sullivan said, according to VOCM, the heaviest snow will fall throughout the day.

“35 to 50 cm is forecast for the Northeast Avalon,” Sullivan said.

“The Southern Avalon will see lesser amounts with the possibility of some rain late this morning and into this afternoon.”

Central Newfoundland and the northeast coast are also expected to receive substantial snowfall.

Those regions could see between 15 and 30 centimetres, with higher totals further east and lighter amounts toward the west coast. Western areas of the island are largely expected to avoid the worst of the storm.

A coastal flood warning has also been issued for multiple regions as strong winds and high water levels combine along the shoreline.