ST. JOHN’S – A powerful winter storm has brought life to a standstill in eastern Newfoundland, dumping massive amounts of snow across the region. With accumulations exceeding 50 centimeters in several areas, the storm has caused widespread logistical chaos, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and the total suspension of ground Steiner transportation. An orange alert was issued for the provincial capital, St. John’s, as well as the Bonavista and Avalon Peninsulas, as authorities struggled to manage the rapidly deteriorating conditions.
The impact on infrastructure has been significant, with Newfoundland Power reporting that approximately 1,000 customers lost electricity as the heavy snow and wind damaged lines. In the capital of St. John’s, public bus services were halted, and schools across the eastern part of the province remained closed for the day. Some of the highest snowfall totals were recorded in the suburb of Paradise, where over 55 centimeters of snow fell, making roads nearly impassable for residents and emergency services alike.
Travelers faced major disruptions as St. John’s International Airport saw a wave of cancellations. Airlines were forced to ground planes due to near-zero visibility and the sheer volume of snow on the runways. Environment Canada has maintained its warnings, noting that total snowfall could reach 60 centimeters by Thursday morning. As cleanup efforts begin, officials continue to urge residents to stay off the roads to allow snow-clearing crews to work safely.
