First came the snow and rain, next comes the wind tonight… and more snow!
Newfoundland is experiencing a sharp contrast in weather conditions today, with very different impacts depending on location.
Across eastern Newfoundland, conditions have been relatively mild, with temperatures well above freezing and steady rainfall. Meanwhile, western parts of the island are dealing with much colder air, heavy snowfall, and blustery conditions. As of mid-afternoon, temperatures ranged from −4 °C in Corner Brook to +6 °C in St. John’s, highlighting the stark east-west divide.
While some areas of central and northeastern Newfoundland have seen limited precipitation or even brief lulls this afternoon, this does not mean the storm is weakening. In some cases, drier air temporarily reduced snowfall, but that will change as the low-pressure system continues to deepen and move eastward. Snow is expected to redevelop this evening as lift increases.
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Rainfall and Snowfall So Far
Rain has continued across eastern Newfoundland, with parts of the Avalon and Burin peninsulas recording over 30 mm of rain by mid-afternoon. St. John’s had received approximately 18 mm at last check.
The heaviest snowfall remains focused over western Newfoundland, including the southwest coast and extending north toward the Northern Peninsula. This snow band is slow-moving and is expected to persist for several more hours before gradually shifting east.
Wind Becoming the Primary Hazard Tonight
As the low pressure system rapidly intensifies, wind will become a major concern this evening and overnight.
Central Newfoundland and the south coast are already seeing gusts approaching 100 km/h.
Between now and roughly 9 p.m., very strong winds are expected from Fogo Island through Green Bay and White Bay, with gusts potentially exceeding 120–130 km/h, especially in exposed coastal and elevated areas.
Eastern Newfoundland will experience two rounds of strong winds:
An initial increase this evening.
A second, stronger surge late this evening through the overnight hours as the low departs.
Winds are expected to peak between midnight and the early morning hours, gradually easing toward daybreak Tuesday.
Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Risk
The storm’s intensity, combined with its low central pressure (potentially below 950 mb), raises concerns for storm surge and large waves along exposed coastlines.
Wave heights may reach 6 metres or higher, breaking near or onshore.
High tide overnight could exceed astronomical tide levels, increasing the risk of minor to locally moderate coastal flooding, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas.
Residents in flood-prone locations should remain alert overnight.
Ongoing Winter Storm and Blowing Snow Alerts
Winter storm warnings remain in effect for parts of Green Bay, White Bay, Bay of Exploits, Gander, and Bonavista North, where severe winter conditions are expected. Snowfall totals in some western and higher-elevation areas may exceed 40 cm.
Blowing snow advisories are also in effect for:
Parts of southern Labrador
Parsons Pond to Hawke’s Bay
Northern Peninsula East
Terra Nova
Clarenville and the Bonavista Peninsula
For many eastern locations, snowfall is expected mainly overnight.
What to Expect Overnight and Tuesday
Snow will gradually shift eastward this evening, reaching central and northeastern Newfoundland overnight before tapering off early Tuesday morning. Winds will remain strong overnight but steadily weaken toward morning.
By Tuesday, conditions will be cooler, less windy, and drier, making it a more manageable day for cleanup operations.
While this storm will soon move out, the broader weather pattern remains unsettled. Temperatures are expected to rise later in the week, with additional rain possible before a potential shift back toward colder, snowier conditions beyond the weekend.
I’ll have my next update posted over the weekend.
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