Conditions have deteriorated considerably as the first snow storm of the season crosses the island.
Snowfall has intensified and the winds are picking up.
Driving is tricky in many areas with snowfall warnings and watches all over the place. The Northern Peninsula is sitting this one out and snow amounts are on the lighter side on the west coast.
The Northern Peninsula is sitting this one out and snow amounts are on the lighter side on the west coast.
On the Avalon Peninsula, the snow is turning to rain but remaining pure snow on the east coast, south coast and central Newfoundland.
David Neil, meteorologist at the Gander Weather Office, says winds are picking up.
“They’re being clocked at 80kmh n the Burgeo area” as of noon today according to Neil.
Reduced visibility on the Trans Canada near Butterpot Provincial Park (RCMP)
Driving conditions are poor
Corporal Kurt Russell of the RCMP says posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions.
He say in times like this, drivers should forget about the posted speed limit and use road conditions as the guide.
RCMP are offering the following advice to drivers:
- With winter weather expected for much of the day, the safest option is stay put. All drivers are asked to postpone unnecessary travel for your safety and the safety of others.
- Anyone who must be on the roads today, is asked to slow down and drive with extreme caution.
- As the roads are slippery, they should increase following distance from other vehicles to allow time to stop and avoid sudden braking.
- Drivers are also reminded to be prepared: ensure the vehicle is filled with fuel, pack an emergency kit and share travel plans with a friend or family member.
“Once road conditions start to deteriorate, you have to slow down whether it’s because of water, snow slush or ice,” says Russell. “Once you go into a skid, then you lose control.”
City of St. John’s in storm mode
Councillor Greg Noseworthy, the lead on public works on St. John’s City council, says they are in full-on storm mode with all personnel and equipment being pressed into service.
One thing the capital is trying to improve on is having road clearing and sidewalk clearing in sync. For example, he says it makes no sense to plow a sidewalk only to have the larger machine come behind and fill the pedestrian path back in.
He says it doesn’t make sense to do that, and discussions are taking place to choreograph the system.
