Both a freezing rain warning and a special weather statement are in effect for the Avalon, including St. John's and vicinity.
A special weather statement is in effect for Bonavista, Clarenville and Terra Nova.
Environment Canada says a system approaching Newfoundland from the southeast will bring snow, rain, and freezing rain to eastern portions of the island beginning late this afternoon or early evening.
There is significant uncertainty associated with the precipitation, the national weather forecaster says.
However, some areas may experience an extended period of freezing rain Thursday night into Friday.
Snow is expected to develop late this afternoon (Thursday) and change to freezing rain near midnight.
Snowfall accumulations of 5 cm are expected before the freezing rain starts.
The freezing rain is forecast to change to rain over most areas near noon Friday as temperatures climb slightly above freezing.
However, for coastal areas where northerly winds are blowing off the pack ice, temperatures may remain slightly below freezing and freezing rain may continue.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous, Environment Canada warns, advising drivers to slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Utility outages may also occur.
