Storm pounds eastern and central Newfoundland

Eastern and central Newfoundland are being hammered by a winter storm that is bringing snow and ice pellets to many areas.

The storm has prompted several school closures, business closures, and travel delays. Most all flights at the St. John's International Airport are cancelled. Marine Atlantic is not sailing this morning and anticipates that tonight's crossings could be cancelled too.

Precipitation will continue today, tonight, and into tomorrow for the easternmost areas of the Island.

The heaviest snow is still expected across the northern Avalon Peninsula, including St. John's. Snowfall amounts of 50 to 90 cm are expected. Winds will also gust to 70 km/h at times.

Ice pellets or freezing rain will continue across the southern Avalon Peninsula and Burin Peninsula today before changing to snow tonight. 25 to 40 cm of snow is expected except over southern sections where lesser amounts are forecast. Over southern sections, 10 to 15 cm of ice pellets are possible and/or 15 to 25 mm of freezing rain. Wind gusts from 70 to 100 km/h are also possible. Power outages are expected.

Clarenville, Terra Nova, and the Bonavista Peninsula should see 15 to 20 cm of additional snow. Winds will gust from 60 km/h except locally 80 km/h along parts of the coast.

Grand Falls-Windsor to Gander and Connaigre will see another 10 to 15 cm with gusty winds, especially in the Connaigre area.