As the latest winter storm bears down to batter the province with high winds and intense snowfall many communities across the province are doing their best to mitigate any potential impacts.
Up to 70 cm of snow is anticipated by tomorrow morning and wind gusts of up to 140 km/h are expected this evening.
In those conditions power outages are a real possibility so Newfoundland Power is encouraging people to have emergency kits on hand and to have all their devices charged.
Tomorrow’s storm is also forecast to bring extremely high winds that may impact our electricity system. If you see a power line down it’s important to STAY AWAY. If you need us, call 1-800-474-5711. Our crews are on standby and ready to respond. #ThinkSafeLiveSafe #nlwx pic.twitter.com/gvj1AuPtsy
— Newfoundland Power (@NFPower) January 16, 2020
The province and capital city say they are as ready as they can be for today’s storm.
Over 170 cm of snow have already fallen on the capital city region since the start of the season, and many have questioned how the city is going to handle even more snow.
Forecasts estimate more than 70 cm of snow could fall in the area before the latest storm moves out to sea.
Mayor Danny Breen says city staff are working hard to get as many streets widened out as possible ahead of today’s major blizzard.
He says the clean-up will be significant and take several days.
Stay Home Unless Critical: Province
Minister of Transportation and Works Steve Crocker is reiterating the message that if you do not need to be out—stay home.
He says let the snow clearing crews do their jobs and don’t put yourself in unnecessary jeopardy.
Transportation and Works is working in conjunction with Fire and Emergency Services including Health Authorities and police.
He admits, there will be times when it won’t be safe to have crews on the road.
Bay Roberts Prepares
Phillip Wood, mayor of Bay Roberts, says the town has been doing everything they can to prepare.
The town has been in contact with the RCMP and Fire Department to formulate a plan. As well, they are making sure there are warming stations available if needed.
Calm Before the Storm
Many services, organizations and major businesses gave early notice of cancellations due to storms.
The NL English School District closed all metro-region schools and its district headquarters in St. John’s early yesterday evening, and more cancellations have followed suit.
Metrobus also got ahead of the storm, declaring that it will not be operating during Friday, as the brunt of the storm bears down.
Due to forecasted weather conditions, Metrobus service will not be operating on Friday, January 17th. Further updates about the possible resumption of service on Saturday will be provided on our website at https://t.co/oq60CLK5ri or on Ride Guide at 722-9400. #nltraffic #nlwx
— Metrobus Transit (@MetrobusTransit) January 17, 2020
Stores were filled Thursday evening, as people bought food and supplies to get ready to hunker down for the storm.
Some gas stations in the capital city ran low on gas, or posted notice that their supply of regular was depleted altogether.
The Orange Store on Thorburn Road is out of regular gas.
An employee says they ran out hours ago and there has been a steady stream of vehicles at the pumps all evening.
Seems people are prepared to hunker down for the next couple of days. @VOCMNEWS #nlwx pic.twitter.com/4yRt7dO33D
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 16, 2020
