Municipal Affairs
February 09, 2017

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions and Storm Surges Anticipated

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on an approaching weather system. A deep low pressure system will bring a mix of precipitation, strong winds and the potential for storm surges to the province later tonight and into Friday. FES is contacting coastal communities about the potential for storm surge activity in their region.

Strong southwesterly winds combined with low atmospheric pressure is forecast to create large waves and a storm surge of up to 70 centimetres along the south coast from the eastern side of the Burin Peninsula to Channel-Port-aux Basques. This is forecast to coincide with the Friday morning high tides for these areas. FES encourages residents to be cautious around coastlines and waterways during this time period.

An extended period of freezing rain associated with this system is forecast to begin later tonight for the southern Avalon and spread over the entire Avalon Peninsula, Clarenville and Terra Nova areas, the Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas, Connaigre and the Burgeo-Ramea areas. The freezing rain is forecast to taper off or transition to rain later Friday morning. The public is advised that these conditions may impact utility services and create less than ideal traveling conditions.

Strong winds associated with this system are forecast to begin later tonight and continue into Friday. Wind gusts between 100 and 130 kilometres per hour are forecast. These conditions have the potential to impact utility services and impact buildings.

Blizzard conditions are forecast for areas of the south coast of Labrador from Eagle River south through to L’anse-au-Clair. Forecasts indicate 20 to 30 centimetres of snow with strong winds starting later tonight and continuing into Friday night. There is the potential for impacts on utility services and travelling conditions will be less than ideal. Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.

Municipalities 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/ .

- 30 -

Media contact:

Lynn Robinson Media Relations Manager Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-3960, 691-9466 lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 02 09                              3:40 p.m.