Municipal Affairs and Environment
March 29, 2017

Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions Anticipated

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on a developing weather system. The system is forecast to bring an extended period of winter weather between Thursday and Saturday.

Snow is forecast to spread across most of the island on Thursday with snowfall warnings in place for areas near the Baie Verte Peninsula and Fortune Bay. Over southeastern Newfoundland, the snow will likely mix with or change to rain or freezing rain late Thursday before transitioning to heavier snow on Friday. Precipitation is forecast to remain as snow over the remainder of the island. Environment and Climate Change Canada indicates that significant snowfall totals are possible over the interior and northeastern sections.

Strong north to northeasterly winds will accompany this storm. Winds will begin to strengthen late Thursday for most of Newfoundland, with gusts over 100 km/h possible over the eastern half of the island during the day on Friday. Winds are forecast to ease on Saturday.

These conditions have the potential to affect utility services and create unfavourable travelling conditions.

Eastern facing shoreline areas of the Avalon Peninsula south of Cape St. Francis can expect pounding surf and high waves on Friday, especially during the morning and evening high tides.

There remains some uncertainty regarding the development of this system. There is potential for significant rainfall for the Avalon and significant snowfall for the entire northeast for Thursday evening and Friday.

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 www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl. Residents are encouraged to report adverse weather on Twitter using www.twitter.com/#nlwx.

Information regarding general emergency preparedness is available at www.getprepared.gc.ca/.

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Media contact:

Lynn Robinson Municipal Affairs and Environment 709-729-5449, 691-9466 lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 03 29                              4:10 p.m.