Justice and Public Safety
January 23, 2015

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions Anticipated Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) encourages residents to be cautious around coastlines and waterways over the coming days as there is a potential for elevated water levels due to storm surge, large waves and pounding surf associated with a weather system forecast to affect the province on Sunday, January 25.

According to Environment Canada, an intense low pressure system is forecast to develop over the southeastern United States tonight, then track northeastward along the eastern seaboard on Saturday. This low is expected to track through the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Sunday before moving over the Labrador Sea later in the day. This system is expected to bring significant rain, snow, and very strong winds to the island portion of the province beginning overnight Saturday and persisting into Sunday. A combination of storm surge and large waves will cause elevated water levels along the south and west coasts on early Sunday afternoon, especially during high tide.

Municipalities and local service districts should ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris and appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services in the event the weather has a greater effect than anticipated.

Residents are reminded to follow the latest weather forecast for further alert bulletins and to take measures to ensure personal safety. More information regarding weather forecasts and warnings can be found at weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl . Information regarding general emergency preparedness is available at   www.getprepared.ca .

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Media contact:

Bradley Power Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2015 01 23                              1:05 p.m.