Weather Bomb Set to Strike Newfoundland with Heavy Rain, Winds

UPDATE: A powerful “weather bomb” is poised to impact Newfoundland, with severe weather conditions expected to begin Tuesday afternoon. Environment Canada has issued urgent weather alerts for the Avalon and Burin peninsulas, as well as for coastal Labrador, warning residents of potential hazards from high winds and heavy rainfall.

According to CBC meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler, winds are forecasted to gust up to 110 km/h on Tuesday, with dangerous conditions persisting into Wednesday night. This storm system is characterized as an “incredibly strong northeaster,” and residents are urged to take precautions.

Significant rainfall is set to begin on Tuesday morning, impacting the entire island. Areas can expect between 50 mm and 70 mm of rain, heightening the risk of coastal flooding. Brauweiler emphasized that waves could reach alarming heights of up to six to nine metres, particularly along the south coast, which may lead to hazardous conditions if waters surpass high tide.

Environment Canada has also issued special weather statements for various parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting the potential for coastal flooding due to storm surges. The anticipated rainfall could accumulate to 50 mm within a 24-hour period, with possible snow in inland areas.

“This is going to be an incredibly strong northeaster,” said Brauweiler, urging residents to remain vigilant.

As a precautionary measure, Marine Atlantic has already cancelled all crossings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday morning. The company stated, “While this fall season has been relatively calm from a weather perspective, this has been an active week following this past weekend’s disruptions and the two upcoming storms. We will continue to provide customers with the latest updates throughout the week as information becomes available.”

The storm is expected to weaken by Wednesday night or Thursday morning, but coastal Labrador may continue to experience effects from the weather system through to Friday. Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor local news for the latest updates on this developing situation.

As this weather bomb approaches, the urgency for preparedness cannot be overstated. Ensure you have necessary supplies on hand and stay tuned to reliable sources for real-time updates.