As wind and snow continue to buffet eastern Newfoundland, Environment Canada has upgraded its warnings to blizzard level.
The north and southwest parts of the Avalon Peninsula, as well as St. John's and vicinity, are now under a blizzard warning. Winter storm warnings are still in effect for Avalon Peninsula southeast, the Bonavista and Burin peninsulas, and the Clarenville area.
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon says very strong winds and a significant snowfall will make for a messy day and evening for the Avalon and Burin peninsulas, and the Clarenville area. (CBC)
Twenty-five to 35 centimetres of snow is expected to fall by early Sunday across much of the Avalon, according to CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon.
While most of the Avalon will see all snow, areas of the southeast Avalon, especially along the southern shore may see some rain and ice mixing in, keeping amounts a little lower.
The Burin Peninsula, Clarenville and Bonavista regions are expected to receive 15 to 25 centimetres of snow, while most of the central part of Newfoundland will receive just two to five centimetres.
No real changes to my snowfall map this morning.
•25-35 cm across much of the Avalon Peninsula.
•Some mixing over the Southeast Avalon may keep amounts a little lower.
•15-25 cm Burin, Clarenville and Bonavista.
•Amounts dropping quickly into Central Newfoundland.#nlwx pic.twitter.com/v8hCqT0BWG
—
@ryansnoddon
The snow began as predicted by mid-morning Saturday, with the steadiest snow to come in the afternoon through to the evening.
Snoddon says during that time period snow could fall at a rate of three to more than five centimetres per hour.
Metrobus ended service at 3:30 p.m. and the Avalon Mall closed at 4 p.m.
High winds will make for an even messier forecast with gusts between 70 and 100 km/hr peaking during late Saturday afternoon through to midnight. Wind gusts could reach 120 km/h along the coast of the Avalon Peninsula late Saturday.
The wintry weather is already causing headaches with commuters, with several traffic accidents reported in the greater St. John's area.
Many flights through the afternoon and evening have been delayed or cancelled at St. John's and Deer Lake airports.
Snoddon's latest video update is posted below.
