Avalon's Winter Woes: A Tale of High Winds and Heavy Disruptions
The Avalon Peninsula is currently battling a fresh blanket of snow, with about 15 cm of new snowfall causing significant road issues. While some main roads have been plowed and are passable, the real drama unfolded on the ramps between Pitts Memorial Drive and Richard Nolan Drive. At around 2:00 AM, several vehicles became stuck, prompting the RNC and first responders to spring into action and rescue them.
The impact of the weather extends beyond the roads. The Witless Bay Line and Goulds Bypass are closed, and visibility on higher-ground roads is almost non-existent. The TCH at Birchy Narrows had to be temporarily shut down after a crash involving a tractor-trailer. The highway department has issued multiple travel advisories, warning against venturing out on the Avalon, northeast coast, and Northern Peninsula.
The disruptions don't stop there. The region is witnessing a growing list of cancellations and delayed starts. St. John's International Airport is particularly affected, with numerous flights impacted. Strong winds gusting up to 65 mph at the airport are expected to intensify to 90 mph, and another 10-15 cm of snow is on the horizon.
For those seeking real-time updates, VOCM's Storm Watch Page is the go-to resource. It provides a comprehensive list of cancellations. If you have cancellation information to share, you can submit it via email to psa@vocm.com.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Avalon Peninsula navigates through this challenging winter weather.