Santa will be battling some high winds and heavy snow as he makes his deliveries across many parts of the province this Christmas.

The latest winter storm to hit the province will start Christmas Eve, and continue through Christmas Day, focused primarily on the Avalon and eastern portion of the island.

A special weather statement was issued today, with maximum snowfall amounts of 15 cm, and winds up to 80 km/h possible starting early Christmas morning and continuing through Christmas Day.

Parts of the Avalon could see the snow change to rain with hazardous driving conditions expected.

Environment Canada meteorologist, David Neil says the snow will start in the southwest and progress eastward starting overnight on Christmas Eve.

He says by Christmas morning residents of the Avalon and east coast of the island will see steady snowfall, which will be heavy at times. He says the eastern half of the island can expect some decent amounts of snow with gusty winds.