Schools close, travel not recommended as strong nor’easter hits Atlantic Canada

Flurries will linger through the first half of the day for Cape Breton, as the snow winds down across the region. Wednesday will be another dangerous day across Newfoundland, however.

Snow developed for Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula through the overnight Tuesday, picking up in intensity pretty quickly. Blizzard conditions and nearly half a metre of snow are forecast through Thursday. Travel is not recommended.

At this time, snowfall rates will top 3-5 cm/h, paired with wind gusts of 60-80 km/h, which will create very dangerous conditions. Near zero visibility and blizzard conditions are expected southeast of Gander, including St. John’s.

The nor’easter is forecast to reach the deepest low pressure late Wednesday and into Thursday morning, as the centre of the low passes by the Avalon. This will fuel the very strong winds and blizzard conditions.

Snowfall will continue Thursday, but primarily for the northern coast, adding more snow to the heavy accumulations from Wednesday.

As the low tracks close to the Avalon, some warmer air can move onto the Avalon, bringing the threat of a brief wintry mix. It will slightly limit, albeit still high, snowfall totals here. Between 30-50+ cm is possible for northeastern Newfoundland and along the Trans-Canada Highway.