Heavy snow warnings for eastern Newfoundland and parts of Nova Scotia as third storm arrives
Environment Canada warns up to 50 centimetres of snow for the Avalon and Burin peninsulas by Tuesday, with additional snowfall and strong winds across northeastern Newfoundland and eastern Nova Scotia.
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By Torontoer Staff
Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings as a third system in three weeks moves across Atlantic Canada, bringing heavy snow and strong winds to parts of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.
An orange winter storm warning covers parts of eastern Newfoundland, with forecasts calling for as much as 50 centimetres of snow on the Avalon and Burin peninsulas, including St. John’s, by Tuesday. Yellow warnings are in effect for northeastern and central Newfoundland, where up to 30 centimetres and strong winds are expected in and around Gander.
Where the snow will fall heaviest
Eastern Newfoundland faces the largest totals. Environment Canada says, "up to 50 centimetres of snow is expected in the Avalon and Burin peninsulas by Tuesday." These amounts will make shovelling, local travel and municipal clearing operations more challenging.
Northeastern and central parts of the island, including the Gander area, are under a yellow storm warning for strong winds and around 30 centimetres of snow. In Nova Scotia, snowfall warnings cover the eastern half of the province and Cape Breton Island, where 20 to 25 centimetres are forecast to fall by this afternoon.
Utilities and public services
Nova Scotia’s main power provider has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate responses to outages. Activation indicates the utility is mobilising crews and resources, and it may prioritise restoration to critical facilities and areas with the highest number of customers affected.
Municipal services such as snow clearing, school boards and transit agencies will make operational decisions based on local conditions. Residents should check municipal or provincial websites and social feeds for service updates and closures.
Events and cancellations
The provincial government has cancelled its scheduled Groundhog Day event at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park featuring Shubenacadie Sam due to the forecast. Other public events could be postponed or moved online depending on conditions.
Practical steps to prepare
- Monitor Environment Canada alerts and local advisories for updates on warnings and timing.
- Limit non-essential travel while snow and strong winds are reported, and allow extra time if you must drive.
- Charge phones and essential devices, and keep a portable charger available in case of power outages.
- Have basic supplies on hand for at least 24 to 48 hours, including water, food, medications and a flashlight.
- Clear snow safely, taking regular breaks and avoiding overexertion. Use proper shovelling technique and seek help for heavy loads.
- Check on neighbours, especially older adults and those with mobility challenges, to ensure they have what they need.
Travel and safety reminders
Travel disruptions, including road restrictions and flight delays or cancellations, are possible as the storm moves through. Plan for extra travel time, carry an emergency kit in your vehicle and ensure winds and drifting snow will not make local roads impassable.
An orange winter storm warning is in effect for parts of eastern Newfoundland, where up to 50 centimetres of snow is expected in the Avalon and Burin peninsulas by Tuesday.
Environment Canada
Stay tuned to official channels for evolving forecasts and follow instructions from local authorities. Preparing ahead will reduce risks from heavy snowfall and high winds.
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