ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Christmas Eve winter storm that started on the province's west coast late last night has made its way across the island and is presently blanketing the Northeast Avalon region with a healthy layer of snow.
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for most of eastern and northeastern Newfoundland. The weather office says the northern parts of the Avalon — including the metro region — as well as the Bonavista peninsula, Clarenville and vicinity, and Green Bay-White Bay areas will get 20 to 30 centimetres by the morning of Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, residents in Terra Nova, Bonavista North, Bay of Exploits and the Gander area can expect 30 to 40 cm by tomorrow morning.
Easterly winds gusting to 60 km/h are expected to develop today before shifting to the northwest and picking up strength later in the day.
Christmas Eve has arrived! It's a snowy one here in Bonavista. I hope you all enjoy time with your family and friends today. And make sure you're good because Santa is on his way! #MerryChristmas #ChristmasEve #nlwx #ShareYourWeather pic.twitter.com/L51TjaO7fC
— Mark Gray 🇨🇦 (@GrayMarker99) December 24, 2019
The weather office says while the snow will ease overnight tonight, strong northwesterly winds will persist through Wednesday and Boxing Day on Thursday, causing blowing snow at times.
What's more, a second round of steadier snow, possibly heavy, is expected to develop by afternoon on Boxing Day.
As for the southeastern portions of the island, the system will bring 15 to 25 cm of snow — with some rain mixing possible — before tapering off overnight. The west will see flurries ending later today.
We are open today & we have many unfilled appointments. Visit https://t.co/Rj9eH5zdUQ to book your greatest give, walk-ins also welcome. @NTVNewsNL @CBCNL @OZFMJigsReels @coast1011 @CityofStJohns @Mount_Pearl pic.twitter.com/456rZEGO8K
— Canadian Blood Services Newfoundland & Labrador (@LifelineNL) December 24, 2019
More to come.
For residents of St. John's, the storm means the city's winter parking ban for areas outside the downtown comes into effect at 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 25. The Business District winter parking restriction — which applies to sections of Water Street (Waldegrave Street to Prescott Street) and Duckworth Street (New Gower Street to Cochrane Street) is daily, regardless of conditions, from 4 to 6 a.m.
Due to the volume of snow forecasted, the City of St. John’s is required to implement the on-street parking ban outside the downtown, and the Business District winter parking restriction as of 12:30 am on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019.
— City of St. John's (@CityofStJohns) December 23, 2019
Details at: https://t.co/scKGBbLLcT#nltraffic pic.twitter.com/iEh6v39dGJ
Weather
Road travel
Over two hours to drive to Carbonear. Except for a brief Rudolph-esque appearance by a plow near Foxtrap, it was 0/10, do not recommend. #nltraffic
— Robyn Pike (@robynpike) December 24, 2019
N.L. Highway Driving Conditions
The NL 511 weather radar is showing heavy snowfall for the Avalon and west coast.
— Transportation and Works NL (@TW_GovNL) December 24, 2019
Driving condition reports and highway cameras poor visibility in some areas.
Check the app before you travel today. #nltraffic pic.twitter.com/P8qyP6sROS
City of St. John's Live Plow Tracker
Our crews are working in all areas to address snow conditions.
— City of St. John's (@CityofStJohns) December 24, 2019
Snow & wind are expected to continue through the day, motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution.
On-street parking ban begins 12:30am Dec.25; parking off road now helps with snow clearing. #nlwx #nltraffic
City of Mount Pearl Plow Tracker
Town of Paradise Live Plow Tracker
Town of Conception Bay South Live Plow Tracker
Current images from the plow tracker show plow activity over the last two hours.
— Transportation and Works NL (@TW_GovNL) December 24, 2019
Plows are out but roads will fill in quickly today. Drive cautiously and safely. #nltraffic pic.twitter.com/q7MkMsaJ3l
Marine travel
Marine Atlantic Travel Advisory
Marine Atlantic advises customers that due to impending weather conditions the following changes have been made to their schedule:
- North Sydney to Port aux Basques, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 at 11:45 p.m. is now scheduled to depart at 10 p.m.
- Port aux Basques to North Sydney, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 at 11:45 p.m. is now scheduled to depart at 10 p.m.
Environment Canada Marine Forecast
Air travel
Travel Alert – December 25: St. John's (YYT), Deer Lake (YDF) & Gander (YQX). Details, Flight Status & rebook online. Change fees waived: https://t.co/LkJG413LFk
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) December 24, 2019
St. John's International Airport
Snow is on the way! Our Winter Operations Team is prepared for the winter weather but please check with your airline for flight status info. #YYT pic.twitter.com/BPAetr1emS
— St. John's Airport (@stjohnsairport) December 23, 2019
Power outages
Making sure you’ve got all the Christmas essentials ready? Be sure to check you’re prepared for any situation: https://t.co/xhJ1CoEsZs pic.twitter.com/fIqcueJi3L
— Newfoundland Power (@NFPower) December 20, 2019
Newfoundland Power Outage Centre
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Outage Map
Schools
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District status report
Memorial University
- Memorial's St. John's, Marine Institute and Signal Hill campuses closed on Dec. 24.
- The Marine Institute Christmas Eve employee breakfast will be postponed until Mon., Jan 6, 11-1 pm.
College of the North Atlantic
- All locations will be closed on Dec. 24.
Closures, cancellations, delayed openings
WEATHER CLOSURE NOTICE: as per today's announcement from the Government of #NL (https://t.co/dagXEZjzdT), all Provincial Government offices will be closed tomorrow (Dec 24). This includes ALL NLPL branches. @coast1011 @centralmorning @570VOCM @CBCLabrador @590VOCM @1039KRock pic.twitter.com/awUn1x0kkN
— NL Public Libraries (@NLPubLibraries) December 23, 2019
- All provincial Arts & Culture Centre box offices will be closed Dec 24.
- The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador will be closed Dec. 24, 2019. All in-custody matters scheduled for that day will be called on Dec. 25, 2019. All other matters will be called on Dec. 27, 2019.
- The Brigus Cupids Georgetown United Church is canceling its 3 p.m. Christmas Eve service.
- St. Mark's Anglican Church 7:30 p.m. Eucharist will go ahead. Our 10 p.m. service and 10:30 a.m. Christmas morning service are cancelled.
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! #nltraffic #nlwx #ChristmasEve #winterstorm pic.twitter.com/GvMIpJ6U0e
— Ken Pinsent (@kdog_NL) December 24, 2019
