Snow intensifies across Newfoundland Friday with dangerous blizzard conditions

Conditions will deteriorate throughout the day on Friday, as heavy blowing snow intensifies across eastern Newfoundland. Strong northerly winds, falling temperatures and snow will create dangerous blizzard conditions, especially through the evening hours.

MUST SEE: Winter to finally show up in January as El Niño bested by polar vortex

The Avalon Peninsula will take the brunt of this winter storm, where snowfall totals of 25-35 cm are on tap alongside gusty winds of 60-80+ km/h. This includes the city of St. John’s.

Road conditions will be extremely difficult, if not near impossible at times, so drivers are being urged to avoid any non-essential travel until things improve. While the snow will wind down by Saturday morning, some blowing snow will persist amid gusty winds.

Dangerous blizzard conditions by Friday afternoon

A low-pressure system trekking toward southeastern Newfoundland will bring the region its largest snowfall of the season so far—a low bar given that we’ve had a pretty mild start to the winter.

Latest computer models have tracked the storm further east into the Atlantic Ocean, which will bring down snowfall rates and totals for some, however, impactful winter weather is still forecast for the Avalon. Heavy snowfall rates and gusty winds will impact the region Friday through Saturday.

STAY SAFE: Be aware of your heart while shovelling heavy snow

Blizzard conditions are possible by Friday afternoon as snowfall rates approach 5 cm/h accompanied by wind gusts of 60-80+ km/h. Rapidly accumulating snow and whiteout conditions will make travel extremely dangerous or virtually impossible at the height of the storm, which will last through the evening commute.

Avoid travel if at all possible, and plan ahead if you have to venture out during the wind-driven snow. Ensure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you get stuck.

The snow will gradually draw to an end by Saturday morning, though wind gusts of 70 km/h through the day will lead to reduced visibility as the freshly fallen snow continues blowing around.

Story continues

We're on track to see widespread totals of 25-35 cm across the Avalon, including in St. John’s. Totals will steadily drop farther west, with 15-25 cm expected on the Burin Peninsula and only 5-10 cm of snow around Gander on the western edge of the system.

Farther south, folks in parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island could see a touch of sea-effect snow behind this system.

Another round of snow is on the way for the Maritimes this weekend as a powerful, moisture-rich storm arrives from New England.

WATCH: Shovelling snow is a heart hazard, this common kitchen item can help

Click here to view the video