The snow will continue to accumulate as the result of the latest winter storm to hit the eastern portion of the island.
Snowfall amounts vary dramatically across the Avalon with between 25 and 45 cm of snow having fallen by mid-morning.
51.0cm of snow as of 8:30am in Paradise this morning. 3.7cm of snow accumulation in the last hour. My heated rain cone is measuring 25.4mm of water equivalent. This is the last ruler picture as I just cleaned off my measuring surface. #NLwx pic.twitter.com/ladQaIJBf0
— Lloyd Leaman (@LloydLeaman) February 18, 2026
Lesser amounts are being reported from Clarenville to Gander and through to Bonavista although snowfall amount are still significant.
(VOCM News)
Environment Canada meteorologist David Neil says those numbers will continue to rise with more snowfall expected throughout the day and into the evening.
“What we’re seeing right now is going to linger around for really much of today and through a good portion…right through the night hours” says Neil.
Today’s storm forced the closure of schools, government offices and some businesses throughout most of the Avalon and east coast.
High winds are contributing to sporadic power outages across the region.
While highway maintenance crews are out, travel is not recommended at this time, and if you don’t have to go out, you’re being asked to stay off the roads.
Numerous vehicles had to be towed off the highway this morning according to RCMP Corporal Dave Bourden.
He says they encountered a lot of stranded drivers on the highway this morning.
St. John’s City Councillor Greg Noseworthy says crews have been working around the clock, but clearing side streets may take longer than usual.
“We have a priority system, so if you haven’t seen a plow just yet, which is possible in some areas,” he told VOCM Open Line.
“We’re expecting (the storm) to go for quite a bit longer, and then we do have some additional snow now over the next couple of days, so our normal standards for servicing, our crews will be out 24-7, but our normal standards for getting everything absolutely down to the pavement, that will take a little bit longer than normal.”
Transportation Minister says crews busy on highways
Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Barry Petten says, aside from having to close Witless Bay Line – which is not uncommon during storms, things are going well for provincial snow clearing teams today.
He says things are going as well as can be expected, and crews are doing their best to keep ahead of it.
