Major Winter Storm Arrives This Evening, Brings Heavy Snowfall, High Winds to Eastern Newfoundland
Wind speeds are just beginning to ramp up this evening as our incoming winter storm gathers strength to the south. This system is intensifying rapidly — and it’s about to bring a significant snowfall event to much of eastern Newfoundland through Thursday morning.
Satellite imagery shows a deepening low that almost resembles it has an eye — something mid-latitude cyclones often display when they’re strengthening quickly. Radar already shows snow pushing northward toward the Avalon and Burin peninsulas. By the time many of you read this, it may already be snowing in parts of the southeast Avalon.
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Timing: Two Main Waves
Snow begins this evening across the southeast Avalon and spreads northward into the St. John’s Metro area and locations farther west later tonight. Once it starts, it won’t truly end until sometime Thursday morning.
The bulk of the snow will fall over eastern and northeast Newofundland (Avlaon included):
Late tonight into Wednesday morning
Again Wednesday evening into early Thursday
Southern areas of the Avlaon will see the snow ease Wednesday morning and the rates may not come back up. Rain may fall in this area as well.
There may be a relative lull on Wednesday afternoon, but don’t mistake that for the end of the storm. This system will ebb and flow.
Snowfall Rates & Impacts
During the most intense periods, snowfall rates of 2–5 cm per hour are likely. Combine that with northerly wind gusts of 80–100 km/h, and conditions will deteriorate quickly Wednesday morning.
Temperatures are hovering near zero across much of Newfoundland. That means this will be wet, dense, heavy snow. It’s not fluffy powder — it’s the type that’s hard to shovel and tough on infrastructure.
Forecast Snowfall Amounts
Here’s how things are shaping up:
Avalon North & St. John’s Metro: 30–50 cm, locally higher (especially inland and higher elevations)
Bonavista Peninsula: 30–50 cm possible, especially northern areas
Burin Peninsula: 2–5 cm
Clarenville to Gander & Northeast Coast: 15–30 cm
Central (west of Lewisporte Junction area): 5–15 cm
Western Newfoundland: Little accumulation from this system
This forecast has trended upward slightly from yesterday due to faster storm intensification and a slightly more favorable track for eastern Newfoundland. That reduces dry air intrusion and prolongs heavier snowfall over the Avalon.
Confidence Level
Forecast confidence is fairly high at this point. While there are always small details that can shift totals up or down, the overall storm setup is locked in.
What to Expect
Snow begins south to north this evening.
Heaviest snow late tonight into Wednesday morning.
Winds peak Wednesday midday.
Snow tapers gradually Thursday morning.
Given the timing and intensity, school closures and travel disruptions are likely Thursday, with potential impacts Wednesday as well.
I’ll be live this evening around 8:30–9 PM to track the radar and answer your questions.
Stay safe — and stay tuned.
I’ll have my next update posted tomorrow morning!
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