CHANNEL-PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L. — Power outages are still being reported in some areas of Port aux Basques and other areas of the southwest coast today, Monday, Feb. 11.
In Port aux Basques, power has yet to be restored in some subdivisions, including the Grand Bay East area. Parts of Margaree and MacDougalls in the Codroy Valley are also awaiting power restoration. Newfoundland Power has estimated restoration times for some areas to take until roughly 8 p.m. this evening.
The winds, which gusted to 139 kilometres an hour in Port aux Basques last night, toppled a chimney and forced volunteers to relocate a warming station to the town hall. The Salvation Army Store on Main Street opened at 10 a.m. this morning to offer hot drinks and a place to warm up for those in need.
Other businesses which delayed opening this morning have since shut down again, and the colleges and schools remain closed.
High winds and blowing snow have combined to produce near zero visibility conditions in town, while the Wreckhouse remains all but impassable.
Posts on social media have advised of eight-foot high snowdrifts on Brook Hill between Port aux Basques and Isle aux Morts, as well as a traffic pile up on Grand Bay Bridge.
The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques has asked all residents to remain indoors and to stay off the roads.
The Marine Atlantic ferries have remained tied up at dockside since Friday, and aren’t scheduled to sail again until this evening at 11:45 p.m., weather permitting.
Early forecast models show another storm moving into the area on Wednesday, Feb. 13 and yet a third storm possible on Saturday, Feb. 16.
