Multi-day ice and snow threat in Newfoundland could cause power, travel issues
Eastern Newfoundland is in for a prolonged mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow starting Tuesday
A slow-moving storm is anticipated to bring a prolonged mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow to eastern Newfoundland starting Tuesday evening, and lasting through Thursday.
The system forms when cold Arctic air collides with incoming moisture, creating an active pattern over the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas. With the storm track nearly stationary, precipitation is expected to last for days rather than passing quickly.
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Up to 48 hours of snow, freezing rain and ice pellets is possible for parts of the Avalon Peninsula, northern coast and the rest of eastern Newfoundland through Thursday.
Icy conditions develop Tuesday night
Late-day Tuesday, freezing rain moves into the Avalon, followed by ice pellets farther west toward Conception Bay. St. John's is in the transition zone, kicking off with freezing rain and progressing to ice pellets by Wednesday.
Conditions possibly worsen through Wednesday as ice accumulates on surfaces. Even light winds can cause accretion on roads and power lines, increasing outages and travel hazards.
However, there is high uncertainty in the exact location of the heaviest snow, ice pellets and freezing rain but forecasters have confidence messy precipitation could last several days across north and eastern Newfoundland, possibly leading to travel impacts and hazards.
At this point it looks like the Avalon will be impacted for several hours by icy precipitation, with a mix of freezing rain and ice pellets.
Snow spreads inland through Thursday
Heavy snow will likely target Gander and northeastern sections of Newfoundland.
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Snow falls overnight Tuesday over Placentia Bay, Clarenville and Bonavista, then moves toward Gander by Wednesday morning. Snow accumulation will continue on and off through Thursday.
Totals may range from 10 to 30 cm, with higher amounts along the northern coast. As the system persists, traffic conditions on Highway 1 and local routes are expected to worsen.
A blocking pattern in the atmosphere will allow weather systems to remain somewhat stagnant or slow-moving through mid to-late week.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest updates across Newfoundland