A Christmas storm is going to hit the Avalon Peninsula first and then make its way across the province.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the Avalon with heavy snow and high winds bearing down early Christmas morning. Watches and special weather statements are in place for parts of central, the south coast and Northern Peninsula.

Snowfall amounts are forecasted to range from 15 to 25 cm. Winds will be gusting between 80 to 100 km/h making for hazardous driving conditions. Snow will become mixed with rain on parts of the Avalon according to meteorologist David Neil.

Snow will begin falling overnight tonight, a little later in central and the northeast, and then the Northern Peninsula. Labrador will be the last to feel the effects of it, probably beginning by later Christmas Day, says Neil.

A system similar to this one will touch down late on Boxing Day.