Newfoundland and Labrador is bracing for another night of rainy and windy weather, with some areas of the island expected to experience winds gusting over 100 km/h and the possibility of localized flooding. As of 4:30 p.m. NT on Tuesday, Environment Canada had issued 22 weather warnings across the province. Rainfall and wind warnings cover much of the island, while parts of Labrador may experience a mix of rain and snow through Wednesday.
Tiffany Cheeks, a meteorologist at Environment Canada’s Gander Weather Office, described the current weather pattern as “wet and windy,” indicating challenging conditions. The inclement weather has led to power outages in parts of the Burin Peninsula, central, and western Newfoundland. By 7:15 p.m. NT on Tuesday, nearly 700 customers were without power due to severe weather conditions.
Port aux Basques on the southwest coast is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with an additional 40 to 50 millimetres of rain forecasted overnight and into Wednesday, potentially reaching a total of 130 mm over a 36-hour period. The Burin Peninsula has already experienced over 75 mm of rainfall, with more expected. Similar warnings are also in effect for the south coast of Newfoundland.
Mayor Mark Andrews of Port aux Basques highlighted the prolonged period of wet weather, noting the recent impacts from hurricane remnants followed by the current weather front. A Wreckhouse wind warning has been issued, with southeasterly winds potentially exceeding 100 km/h. A tractor-trailer overturned in the Wreckhouse area earlier on Tuesday, highlighting the hazardous conditions.
Marine Atlantic crossings between Port aux Basques and North Sydney, N.S. have been canceled due to the adverse weather conditions. Additionally, parts of the Avalon Peninsula, Bonavista Peninsula, central Newfoundland, and western Newfoundland are under wind warnings, with gusts expected to reach 80-100 km/h.
In Labrador, precipitation may fall as rain or snow, depending on the location. Labrador West received 17 centimetres of snow on Monday, with Churchill Falls and surrounding areas under a snowfall warning. Red Bay to L’Anse au Clair is under a rainfall warning, with up to 70 mm of rainfall possible.
The west coast may see an additional 20-30 mm of rain, while central Newfoundland could receive between 10 and 25 mm. Download the free CBC News app for push alerts on weather updates in Newfoundland and Labrador.