Heavy snow and ice threaten travel troubles, power outages in Newfoundland

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A messy storm system is forecast to bring a period of ice, snow and rain to end off this week in Newfoundland, with widespread special weather statements already in effect.

Cold air in place collides with the storm's warm moisture by late Thursday afternoon, bringing the risk for an extended period of freezing rain and ice accretion. Some southern areas may receive up to eight hours of the icing, which could result in dangerous travel conditions and localized power outages.

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"Travel could become difficult," warns Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the statement. "If you must travel, expect delays and allow extra time to get to your destination."

Thursday into Friday

Freezing rain begins in the southwest Avalon, spreading into St. John's and the Burin Peninsula, Thursday evening and overnight.

By Friday morning, the storm progresses swiftly through the island, forcing warmer air further inland.

All precipitation types will inch northwest across the island. Snowfall is expected for the west, rainfall takes over the Avalon and Burin region, while a sliver of freezing rain continues in eastern sections, south of Gander.

Colder air holds on in central Newfoundland during this time, with 10-20+ cm of snowfall expected in the hardest hit areas through Friday.

Southeastern regions on the other hand, may experience 4-8 hours of ice accretion through the event, with difficult travel and localized power outages possible.

The precipitation is expected to then change to rain as temperatures increase through Friday, though with a second warm and rainy system pushing in for Saturday, as well.

"Significant snowmelt and runoff are possible. Be sure to clear ice and other debris from drains and gutters before it rains," ECCC says.

Be sure to check back for the latest updates across Newfoundland.