Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to grocery and convenience stores in St. John’s this morning, which opened their doors as of 10 a.m.
For most, it will be the first time they’ll be able to gather supplies since the blizzard slammed eastern Newfoundland with upwards of 80 cm of snow on Friday. Restaurants, bars and fast food outlets will not be permitted to open.
A better look at the size of this lineup. Still have 15 minutes until open. @VOCMNEWS @590VOCM #snowmegeddon2020 pic.twitter.com/eGuWtJqdNY
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) January 21, 2020
People gathered outside stores hours ahead of opening time. Hundreds lined the parking lot near Sobeys on Kelsey Drive, where VOCM’s Fred Hutton stopped by this morning:
Stores are permitted to open between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In a media release, Mayor Danny Breen said residents should “be prepared to purchase enough food for your family for 48 hours.”
Drivers will be allowed on roads during the state of emergency as long as they’re heading directly to, and from stores to replenish their supplies. Workers at the stores will be allowed to drive after 6 p.m., as long as they carry identification and proof of employment.
Officials are encouraging everyone to exercise patience, as there will be large lineups, and efforts are still underway to clear safe routes around the city.
A number of taxi companies in the capital city are also offering free rides to and from grocery stores for vulnerable residents, and those without transportation available.
A better look at the size of this lineup. Still have 15 minutes until open. @VOCMNEWS @590VOCM #snowmegeddon2020 pic.twitter.com/eGuWtJqdNY
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) January 21, 2020
Earlier Story
While it will be the first time in over 90 hours that stores in St. John’s have been allowed to open, it’s the second day surrounding municipalities have been operational.
In Mount Pearl, the state of emergency will be lifted again between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Other communities like Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Torbay are following similar timelines, with Paradise extending its restriction to midnight.
CBS fully lifted its state of emergency on Sunday.
While city and town offices are opening on a limited basis, recreational facilities are remaining closed. Garbage and recycling collection has also been postponed because the landfill is still closed at Robin Hood Bay.
With the exception of aircraft carrying military personnel, nothing has nudged at the airport in St. John’s since Thursday night. Officials at YYT say they will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday morning, but flights will only be able to fly if passengers are permitted to drive to the airport and that decision will be made by the city.
There will be no garbage and recycling services as Robin Hood be landfill is still closed.
City Shifts Parking Ban
The City of St. John’s is implementing new measures for the overnight parking ban to allow for 24-hour snow removal operations.
Parking on city streets outside the downtown and business district area is now prohibited.
The ban will remain in effect until an announcement is made lifting it.
Vehicles parked on streets may be towed and ticketed.
To assist with parking issues, the City has arranged free overnight parking at two garages:
Parking will be free all evenings from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the City Hall Parking Garage, excluding when there is an event at Mile One Centre.
Parking will be free at the 351 Water Street garage from Sunday to Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. On Friday and Saturday nights regular parking rates will apply at 351 Water Street.