Public Advisory: Winter Storm and Storm Surge Conditions Anticipated

In an effort to ensure public safety, Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is advising residents to prepare for winter storm conditions and to be cautious around coastlines and waterways throughout the coming days.

Officials with Environment Canada are forecasting a large scale intense storm to cross over west and central Newfoundland Sunday, December 30, into Monday before heading off into the Labrador Sea. Strong winds are anticipated to affect large portions of Newfoundland and southern Labrador and a large section of the island will see snow change to rain for this system. Officials note regions in the western part of the island and especially southern Labrador could experience blizzard-like conditions along with significant snowfall amounts.

Storm surges in excess of 60 cm are possible for the southern Gulf of St Lawrence, Northumberland Strait, Cabot Strait and parts of the south coast of the island with the northeast coast having the potential for 50-60 cm surge. It is possible these storm surge conditions could coincide with high tide, which could produce higher storm surge levels. In addition to the threat of storm surge activity, the strong winds associated with this storm will also produce pounding surf and strong wave activity.

FES-NL encourages residents to be mindful of these conditions throughout the coming days, be prepared, and avoid coastal areas if at all possible. Conditions may be extremely hazardous and emergency management officials advise the public to use extreme caution. Visibility may be impacted in winter storm conditions which officials warn could pose significant risk for people who journey close to coastal areas.

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 29                    2:05 p.m.