Major snowstorm shuts schools and offices across Newfoundland, with up to 40 cm expected as warnings remain in place and crews work to keep roads clear.
Snowstorm Brings Widespread Closures Across Newfoundland
Communities Brace for Disruptions as Storm Arrives
A winter storm sweeping across Newfoundland and Labrador on Wednesday prompted widespread school and office closures as snowfall intensified through the morning. The system, tracked by Environment Canada, moved across the island overnight and set the stage for a day of heavy accumulation, strong winds, and challenging travel conditions.
Schools and Campuses Shut Down Ahead of Hazardous Commute
Authorities closed schools in the St. John’s area before the morning commute to reduce traffic and improve conditions for snowplow crews. L’école des Grands-Vents, St. Bon’s, and Lakecrest Independent School also suspended classes for the day. Memorial University, the Marine Institute, and MUN’s Signal Hill campus followed suit, along with provincial government offices in St. John’s. With the NLSchools website down, updates continued through the board’s social media channels.
Municipal Services Affected as Storm Builds
Municipalities across the northeast Avalon postponed garbage collection, including Conception Bay South, St. John’s, Paradise, and Mount Pearl. The decision aimed to keep roads clear for plowing operations as accumulation increased through the morning.
Snowfall Warnings Persist Across the Island
Environment Canada maintained yellow-level snowfall warnings for the Avalon and Burin peninsulas, forecasting 15 to 24 centimetres of snow by Wednesday evening. Light rain mixed with snow in some southern areas, but forecasters warned that snowfall and wind would strengthen as the system grew.
Heavier Bands Expected in Central and Southern Regions
Clarenville, Terra Nova, and the Connaigre Peninsula remained under orange-level warnings, with 30 to 40 centimetres expected before the storm tapers off.
Interior Areas Also Preparing for Significant Snow
Northeastern and interior regions, including Grand Falls–Windsor, were placed under yellow alerts, with 15 to 30 centimetres forecast. Brauweiler said snowfall in these regions would also pick up through the afternoon as the system tracked northward.
Storm Expected to Ease Late Wednesday
Forecasters expect the snowfall to end late in the evening as the system moves out of the region. Until then, plow operators are working continuously to maintain major routes, while officials urge residents to limit travel and prepare for rapidly changing conditions across the island.
