Justice and Public Safety
March 17, 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 potential for elevated water levels due to large waves and pounding surf associated with a weather system forecast to begin affecting the province tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18).

According to Environment Canada, the weather system forecast to affect the province on Wednesday and Thursday of this week will bring moderate to strong winds for Newfoundland and southeastern Labrador. Easterly winds will be generally 40 to 60 kilometres per hour, with up to 80 or 90 kilometres per hour along the south coast and southern Avalon Peninsula. Snow and blowing snow can be expected to develop in the south Wednesday afternoon and spread northeastward in the evening. The southern Avalon can expected elevated water levels and pounding surf during the Thursday morning high tide. Low lying infrastructure exposed to southerly waves will be at risk of impacts. The water levels should peak at approximately 95 cm above high astronomical tide between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

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 impact than anticipated.

Residents are also 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 03 17                             1:10 p.m.