More rain on the way for the west coast

With communities across the west coast still dealing with the aftermath of a rainstorm from just over a week ago, the forecast for the next few days is a cause for concern.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the region on Monday that calls for a mixed bag of precipitation for today and Wednesday.

According to the weather service, a low-pressure system approaching from the Great Lakes will track northeastward along the St. Lawrence River tonight and then move into southeastern Labrador late Wednesday.

The system will bring snow over southwestern Newfoundland beginning this evening and spread northeastward during the night. The snow will change to ice pellets and freezing rain and then to rain on Wednesday over all areas of the island.

Environment Canada says right now rainfall amounts are expected to be much less than the Jan. 12-14 event.

However, some areas along the Humber River and in the Bonne Bay area remain sensitive to high water levels and erosion.

The public is being advised to watch for notices from local authorities, as it is unclear what effect more rain and another thaw will have in vulnerable areas.

A Wreckhouse wind warning has also been issued that warns of wind gusts up to 120 kilometres per hour to begin tonight and increase into Wednesday.

Marine Atlantic is advising customers that it anticipates the impending weather impacting tonight’s 11:45 p.m. sailings and the 11:45 a.m. sailings scheduled for Wednesday.