Potentially historic November storm brings wind, rain, snow, and coastal flooding
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An exceptionally powerful storm — possibly one of the strongest November systems ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador — continues to pound the province with hurricane-force wind gusts, driving rain, large waves, and even heavy snow in some regions.
High Wind Gusts
This evening, wind speeds across the Avalon Peninsula reached staggering levels.
Cape St. Mary’s reported a gust of 172 km/h,
Powles Head Lighthouse recorded 152 km/h,
and subsequent readings climbed even higher — approaching 170 km/h, well above Category 2 hurricane strength.
In St. John’s, gusts reached around 76 km/h, with similar values in Argentia, while Sagona Island saw gusts nearing 96 km/h. Winds are expected to remain intense overnight, especially across eastern Newfoundland, with peak gusts potentially flirting with the 100 km/h mark through Wednesday morning.
Lingering Wind and Storm Surge Threats
Although winds will gradually ease late Wednesday into Thursday, the system is moving very slowly — keeping storm surge and coastal flooding risks in play through Friday, particularly along north-facing shorelines.
A storm surge warning remains in effect for:
The perimeter of Placentia Bay,
St. Mary’s Bay, and
Trepassey Bay,
where waves of 8 to 12 metres have been observed. Water has already overtopped breakwaters in Trepassey, and flooding is likely in low-lying coastal communities, especially around this evening’s high tide (6–8 p.m.).
As winds shift north, the flooding threat transitions to north-facing coasts Wednesday and Thursday, including Bonavista Bay, Notre Dame Bay, and nearby communities such as Gambo and Glovertown.
Heavy Rain and Snowfall Across the Island
Rainfall warnings continue tonight across southern and western Newfoundland, while a snowfall warning is in effect for higher elevations from Bay of Islands to Green Bay–White Bay, where up to 20 cm of snow has already accumulated.
Highway cameras show heavy snow around Corner Brook and Deer Lake, with plows operating along the Trans-Canada Highway. While coastal areas are seeing mostly rain, higher terrain is quickly transforming into a winter wonderland — a reminder that early-season storms often pack surprises.
Labrador Also Impacted
Along the coast of Labrador, rain and snow will intensify Wednesday, with some areas expecting over 50 mm of rain and 15 cm of snow in elevated regions. Wind gusts may reach 100 km/h, and storm surge potential exists there as well.
What’s Next
Winds will ease gradually through Thursday, though breezy conditions remain.
Coastal flooding and surge risks continue into Friday, especially for north-facing shores.
Weather calms briefly by Thursday night and Friday, though some rain or wet snow may linger across southern and eastern Newfoundland.
I’ll have my next update posted tomorrow morning!
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