Record heavy blizzard engulfs parts of Newfoundland, Canada

Two major storms in a fortnight plus heavy winds and snow have buried parts of Newfoundland, Canada under a thick blanket of snow, as of Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Over 100 cm (3.3 feet) of snow has fallen over the Avalon in two weeks, while St. John's saw its deepest snow-day in six years on January 7, 2020, with 69 cm (2.3 feet) of ground snow. The weather in the province is on a rampage, and it is expected to continue throughout the entire week. 

Wind speeds reportedly traveled at up to 80 km/h (50 mph) across the province, according to The Weather Network (TWN).

A WestJet flight from Toronto skidded off the tracks on Sunday, January 5, while landing in Halifax due to the poor weather conditions. No injuries were reported. The system was also responsible for canceled flights, vehicle collisions, and power outages.

On Monday morning, January 6, thousands were left without power due to heavy, blowing snow.

According to St. John's Weather Records, the city had 69 cm (2.3 feet) of snow on Tuesday, January 7, breaking the deepest snow-day record previously held on January 12, 2014.

Locals took to social media to share photos and videos of the 'snowmageddon'.

All that coverage made even simple activities like walking a chore for some people.

Environment Canada had most of Newfoundland under weather warnings, with a winter storm system working its way through the western and central areas as it heads further east.

According to Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, several schools have closed early due to the weather.

Between 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) of snow is expected for western and central areas through to Thursday, January 9, along with strong wind gusts.

According to TWN, a weak system will move across the region late Friday into Saturday, January 10 into 11, with rain showers forecast across the south and snow showers for areas to the north.

"The first system will be weaker and track further to the north with mainly rain expected for the Maritimes and southern Newfoundland," said Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.

"It's the second system that will be stronger and track further to the south with a threat for significant ice and snow for the southern Maritimes from Fredericton to Halifax."

Featured image credit: Lisa Daly

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