Justice and Public Safety
February 15, 2015

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions Anticipated Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) has been monitoring Environment Canada forecast information on an approaching weather system which is anticipated to affect the province. This system is forecast to approach from the southwest and bring a mix of precipitation, strong winds and large waves and pounding surf.

According to Environment Canada, strong winds are forecast for the west coast of the province. Wind gusts will peak in the 180-200 km/hr range and are forecasted for the Bonne Bay and Bay of Islands areas this evening and early Monday morning. The Wreckhouse area is forecast to receive wind gusts in the 150-160+ km/hr range late this afternoon and early this evening.

FES-NL encourages residents to be cautious around coastlines and waterways over the next 24-36 hours as there is potential for elevated water levels due to large waves and pounding surf associated with this weather system. These conditions are expected to develop for the southwest coast, south coast, Burin Peninsula and Avalon Peninsula. Current information indicates that the wave heights will be in the 6-10 metre range, beginning for the Southwest coast this evening and continuing for the South coast, Burin Peninsula and Avalon Peninsula on Monday afternoon and evening. For White Bay, the potential exists for elevated water levels or increased pressure on coastal ice, especially during the morning 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.gc.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 02 15                              3:05 p.m.