Incoming storm to nearly double this season's snowfall for St. John's, N.L.
It looks like it may be time to get in some stretches before breaking out the shovels as another dump of snow is forecast for parts of Newfoundland Tuesday.
A strong low-pressure system is tracking towards Newfoundland, and will clip the southern edge with heavy snow and blustery winds.
The Burin and Avalon peninsulas will see snow begin early Tuesday morning, continuing throughout the day with the heaviest snowfall taking place in the afternoon hours.
Peak snowfall rates of 2-4 cm an hour from late Tuesday morning into the early afternoon will coincide with the strongest winds, making for hazardous travel.
As the system moves south of the Avalon Peninsula, it will carry a narrow swath of heavy snow from the Burin to regions throughout the Avalon, with snowfall amounts between 10-30 cm.
Meanwhile, St. John’s is set to see their snowiest day of the season on Tuesday, as 20-30 cm of snow is forecast to blanket the area.
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This snow comes as St. John’s has seen their second-lowest total snowfall amount of the season up until January. With records dating back to 1942, this year’s snowfall amount prior to Jan. 8 has been 30 cm, coming second to the meagre 18.5 cm that fell prior to Jan. 8 in 2012-13.
This event could possibly double the total snowfall amount for the season thus far in a single day.
The heavy snow has prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue winter storm warnings for the St. John’s and Avalon Peninsula regions.
With the snow comes major hazards for travellers and commuters throughout the eastern parts of the province. “Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” ECCC states in the warnings.
As the system sweeps by, it will also bring blustery winds with it. Winds are expected to pick up Tuesday and peak in the afternoon along with the snow.
Wind gusts are expected to reach 60-80 km/h throughout the Avalon Tuesday afternoon, possibly hitting as high as 90 km/h around Cape Race.
Keep checking back to The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates.
