It may only be the second weekend of November, but wintry weather is creeping its way across parts of Eastern Canada. Blizzard warnings have been issued in Quebec’s far north, while snow sweeps into Newfoundland through Saturday, prompting special weather statements there.
For some, this will be the first real taste of wintry weather of the season, so drivers will need to adapt as things deteriorate on the roads. The snow combined with strong winds could result in reduced visibility and dangerous whiteout conditions.
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Despite some uncertainty with exact snowfall locations and amounts in Newfoundland, be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the warnings in your area, as conditions can change quickly when significant storms hit.
Blizzard warning issued in northern Quebec
Winter arrives in a hurry, with blizzard warnings spanning far northern Quebec on Friday.
A strengthening system over central Quebec will pull in northerly air, with a dangerous squall set up in the Salluit region. Snow combined with strong winds will reduce visibilities to near zero through Saturday afternoon. Drivers are urged to adjust travel plans, and avoid any unnecessary time on the roads if possible.
“If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the blizzard warning. “Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle.”
Wintry mix pushes into Newfoundland for Saturday
A system moving from Hudson’s Bay will enter Atlantic Canada and strengthen for the start of the weekend. Precipitation begins late Friday in Newfoundland, with snow forecast in the northwest and rain in the south.
As temperatures drop, the snowfall associated with the system will be highly track dependent, which has some uncertainty at this time. The snow potential will require a more southerly storm track, keeping Newfoundland on the cold side of the storm.
Snowfall will be spotty, with rates that could intensify and become heavy at times.
Between 5-10 cm is expected along Highway 1 from Clarenville to Gander and Corner Brook. Heavier amounts are likely over higher terrain. Any change in the storm’s track however, could significantly affect where and when the heaviest snow will fall.
Winds will also pick up later on Saturday, with gusts between 70-100 km/h expected. The combination of strong winds and snow could impact visibility in blowing snow.
Some areas may be dealing with dangerous whiteout conditions if the heaviest snow pans out.
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Rain will be the favoured precipitation type across the Avalon Peninsula, though with heavy amounts forecast into Saturday.
In all, between 10-30+ mm could fall before conditions gradually improve through the day on Sunday. There’s also some potential for wrap around snow for the Burin and Avalon Peninsula as the system departs.
Milder temperatures are forecast next week, but with conditions becoming more unsettled later in the week and through mid-month.
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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Atlantic Canada