Blowing snow closes schools in central and western Newfoundland
Winter weather closed schools in much of Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, with blowing snow and winds causing heavy drifting on the province's roads and highways.
Many schools in central and western areas of the province announced closures or delays Tuesday morning, with some being announced in eastern Newfoundland and parts of Labrador as well.
Environment Canada had weather warnings in place for much of central Newfoundland, calling the conditions "hazardous" due to drifting and poor visibility.
Strengthening northwesterly winds of up to 110 kilometres/hour were battering the region early Tuesday morning, and an additional 2-5 centimetres of snow was expected to fall before tapering off later in the afternoon.
CBC's Julia Cook tweeted a photo of the whiteout conditions in Gander, just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
In western Newfoundland, special weather statements remained in effect Tuesday morning, as the region deals with yet more snow in what has been an intense year of winter weather.
- A snow-filled February for Corner Brook
Road conditions were fair or poor in most areas of Newfoundland on Tuesday, with the Department of Transportation and Works advising drivers to stay off the roads due to poor visibility, heavy drifting and slippery road conditions on most roads on the island.
Weather conditions on the Cabot Strait caused Marine Atlantic to delay ferry crossings Monday morning, with no ships set to sail until just before midnight due to high winds.
In Labrador, extreme cold warnings were in effect for western portions, and blowing snow warnings were in effect for the southeast coast.
