It's officially spring and this Canadian coast is getting 50 cm of snow

It's officially the first day of spring, but winter just won't quit on Canada's East Coast. Newfoundland and Labrador will mark the arrival of spring with a full-fledged blizzard and blowing snow, as a potent Atlantic low dumps up to 50 cm of snow for some.

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Blizzard warnings are in effect for Labrador's coastline as this strong low pressure system spills high snowfall rates and gusty winds across the region.

Winds could gust between 90-100 km/h throughout the day Monday.

Baron - Labrador winds - Mar20.jpg
Baron - Labrador winds - Mar20.jpg

"Travel is expected to be extremely hazardous due to reduced visibility," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the blizzard warning posted for Nain, Hopedale and Cartwright. "Travel is not recommended."

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least 4 hours.

Blizzard explainer: What is a blizzard - 4-4-4 rule
Blizzard explainer: What is a blizzard - 4-4-4 rule

Much of Labrador's coast will also see heavy snowfall, with impressive snowfall rates of 3-5 cm/h at times. The rapidly accumulating snowfall and near zero visibility will make travel extremely difficult and dangerous in these areas.

In all, between 30-50+ cm of snow is expected in the hardest hit places through Tuesday.

Baron - Labrador snow - Mar20.jpg
Baron - Labrador snow - Mar20.jpg

Western sections of Newfoundland may also experience snow and blowing snow conditions. Higher elevations of the Northern Peninsula could see over 30 cm of sea-effect snow.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve into Tuesday.

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Be sure to check back for the latest forecast updates across Atlantic Canada.

Thumbnail image courtesy: Peter Smith/Twitter