⚠️ Multi-Hazard Storm Hits Newfoundland — 15mm Freezing Rain + 20cm Snow

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Freezing rain, heavy snow, and ice pellets all at the same time hitting Newfoundland and Labrador right now. 19 active weather alerts are in effect across the province this Wednesday morning, April 22nd, 2026.

[00:00:13]We're talking about a complex winter storm that is affecting virtually every single region of the island and Labrador. And here's the thing, this isn't just a snow event. It's a multi-hazard situation unfolding in real time. From St. John's dealing with hours of freezing rain to the northern peninsula facing up to 20 cm of snow.

[00:00:32]Every part of this province is being impacted in a different way, and you need to know exactly what's coming for your area. So, let's get into it. Here is your complete breakdown for Newfoundland and Labrador, Wednesday, April 22nd. All right, let's start in the east right here on the Avalon Peninsula where conditions are already dangerous this morning. St. John's, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South, you are under a yellow warning for freezing rain right now. Freezing rain has been falling since the early morning hours, and it is coating roads, sidewalks, and elevated surfaces with ice. We're expecting 8 to 18 hours of freezing rain across the Avalon with total accumulations of 5 to 15 mm. Now, 15 mm of ice accretion, that is a serious amount. Power outages are possible, especially on higher terrain. If you're driving anywhere on the Avalon this morning, the Trans-Canada, Portugal Cove Road, any route, please take extreme care. Black ice is going to be a major issue on untreated surfaces, and even treated roads can refreeze quickly in these temperatures. The good news is that near the coastline where temperatures are slightly milder, some precipitation may fall as plain rain instead. So, if you're right on the waterfront in St. John's, you may catch a break, but even a short drive inland puts you right back into ice territory.

[00:01:49]Freezing rain on the Avalon is expected to ease this morning to afternoon, so conditions should improve as we head into the afternoon hours. Now, let's move northeast to the Bonavista Peninsula and Bonavista North. You are also under a yellow warning for freezing rain. Clarenville, Bonavista, Trinity Bay area expect 8 to 12 hours of freezing rain with 5 to 15 mm of ice accumulation. The transition from ice pellets to freezing rain may be a little slower over the Gander and Bonavista North regions compared to farther east.

[00:02:19]So, if you're waking up and it sounds like ice pellets hitting your windows, that's what's happening, but freezing rain is coming. Terra Nova National Park area also under the freezing rain warning with roads through that corridor expected to be very hazardous. Now, let's head south to the Burin Peninsula, St. Lawrence, Marystown, Grand Bank. A slightly shorter, but still dangerous icing event here. You're looking at roughly 6 hours of freezing rain with 2 to 5 mm of ice accumulation expected through this morning and afternoon.

[00:02:49]Proceeded by snow and ice pellets, so roads have been building up a slippery base before the freezing rain even arrives. Be very careful out there. All right. Now, let's shift to Central Newfoundland, and this is where we're watching a different kind of hazard, heavy snowfall. Grand Falls-Windsor, Buchans, the Bay of Exploits area, Green Bay, and White Bay all under a yellow warning for snowfall this morning. We're talking 10 to 20 cm of snow with the heaviest rates expected through the morning hours, and it's already coming down hard. Here's the complication for Central Newfoundland as the day progresses. That snow is going to mix with ice pellets and freezing rain, especially near Grand Falls-Windsor and the Bay of Exploits. Expect that transition to happen this afternoon, which is going to make everything messier. Ice pellets on top of snow create that crusty, heavy layer that is absolutely brutal to shovel and incredibly slippery underfoot and on the road. The Trans-Canada Highway through Central Newfoundland is going to be a serious challenge today. If you don't need to travel, stay home. Precipitation in Central Newfoundland is expected to ease later this evening or overnight as the system gradually moves through. Now, for Canneigre and Buchans and the interior, those two areas are under a special weather statement rather than a full warning today. But, don't let that fool you. 10 to 20 cm of snow and ice pellets are still expected followed by 4 to 8 hours of freezing rain. 2 to 5 mm of freezing rain on top of heavy snow, even small amounts of ice can make travel completely unmanageable. Now, let's head north to the Great Northern Peninsula, one of the areas being hit hardest by snowfall in this entire storm system. Port Saunders and the Straits, Northern Peninsula East under a yellow warning with 15 to 20 cm of snow expected today. Snow is beginning this morning and will be significant with accumulations building through the afternoon before mixing with ice pellets this evening. Gusty winds are going to make this even more difficult up north with blowing snow reducing visibility at times, especially over exposed areas.

[00:04:55]We're talking about whiteout conditions possible at times on elevated sections of Route 430 and other exposed highway corridors. For the northernmost parts of the peninsula, freezing rain may develop later in the overnight hours adding one more layer of hazard. And now, the region getting hit from all angles, southeastern Labrador, Norman Bay to Lodge Bay, and Red Bay to L'Anse au Clair. These areas are under a yellow warning for snowfall with 15 to 20 cm expected from this morning through overnight tonight. Precipitation begins as snow becomes heavy at times this afternoon, then mixes with or changes to ice pellets as we go overnight. And here's an important note for coastal Labrador, precipitation may change to freezing rain before Thursday morning along parts of the coast. Gusty winds will create blowing snow and significantly reduce visibility on Route 510 and the Trans-Labrador corridor.

[00:05:49]Take that very seriously. All right, let's take a step back and look at the big picture of what's happening meteorologically with this system today.

[00:05:56]What we're dealing with is a classic overrunning situation. That's when warm, moist Atlantic air slides up and over cold air at the surface. The result is exactly what we're seeing, different precipitation types happening simultaneously across the province based on surface temperatures. Where surface temperatures are coldest, like the Northern Peninsula and Labrador, you get straight snowfall with heavy accumulations. Where a thin layer of above-zero air exists aloft, but the surface is still below zero, you get the most dangerous outcome, freezing rain.

[00:06:28]And right along the coast where ocean air moderates temperatures just enough, some areas will see plain rain, especially by afternoon. This is why the same storm is producing such different and complex conditions across Newfoundland and Labrador all at once.

[00:06:43]It's a textbook example. Now, let's talk about what comes next because this system is not quite done with Newfoundland and Labrador by the time Wednesday ends. Thursday morning is going to start messy with a transitional period of mixed snow, rain, and freezing rain continuing for some areas. And then here's the key headline for Thursday, there is potential for a second round of accumulating snow, particularly near the Strait of Belle Isle. Forecasters are watching this carefully, and confidence is high that areas near the strait could see additional snow Thursday afternoon.

[00:07:16]So, if you're in the Port au Choix, Flowers Cove, or Blanc-Sablon area, do not assume the storm is over when Wednesday night ends. There could be another round of snow coming at you Thursday afternoon on top of everything that's already fallen. This is a two-act storm. For the Avalon Peninsula, by Thursday morning, conditions should be improving as the main system clears and temperatures begin to moderate. Ice on roads and sidewalks from today's freezing rain will still be a hazard Thursday morning even if precipitation has ended. Watch your step. For Central Newfoundland, precipitation eases overnight Wednesday, so Thursday should see improving conditions, but cleanup will take time. All roads that were impacted by today's snowfall and ice will need significant treatment before conditions normalize on Thursday. And for Labrador, Thursday remains unsettled with the storm system taking its time to clear through the region from south to north. One more thing I want to highlight, this storm is notable for arriving in late April, which is a reminder that winter in Newfoundland lingers long. 20 cm of snow in the third week of April is not unheard of here, but it is a significant late season event worth paying attention to. The province is well used to this kind of weather, but even experienced residents need to stay alert when conditions are this hazardous and widespread. All right, let's do a quick region-by-region summary before we wrap up so you know exactly what to expect for the rest of your day. St. John's in the Avalon Peninsula, freezing rain continues through the morning and into early afternoon, ending by mid-afternoon for most areas. Bonavista, Clarenville, Terra Nova, freezing rain persisting longer, potentially into this evening with 5 to 15 mm of ice. Burin Peninsula, shorter freezing rain event wrapping up by this afternoon, 2 to 5 mm of accumulation, still very slippery.

[00:09:03]Gander, mixed precipitation through the day, transitioning from snow and ice pellets to freezing rain as temperatures shift this afternoon. Grand Falls-Windsor, Bay of Exploits, Green Bay, White Bay, heavy snow through the morning, messy mix this afternoon, easing tonight. Canneigre and Buchans, 10 to 20 cm of snow and ice pellets followed by freezing rain, all tapering off by this evening. Northern Peninsula, snow continuing through the day, 15 to 20 cm, gusty winds, ice pellets overnight in some areas. Southeastern Labrador, snow developing this morning and becoming heavy this afternoon, 15 to 20 cm through overnight. And all of Newfoundland and Labrador, check Environment Canada's weather alert page regularly as conditions and timings can shift through the day. This is a developing situation, and as the storm tracks through, the timing of precipitation type changes may shift slightly one way or the other. The core message is this, 19 warnings and statements do not get issued for this province lightly and today is a day to be cautious. Avoid non-essential travel if you can. If you must travel, slow down, increase your following distance, and be ready for sudden changes in conditions. I'll be keeping a close eye on how this system evolves through the day and updates will be posted as new information comes in from Environment Canada. If you found this breakdown helpful, please give this video a like and subscribe if you aren't already. It really does help the channel grow. Turn on notifications so you don't miss any updates today, especially if you're in one of those northern or Labrador regions still watching this storm develop. Stay safe out there, Newfoundland and Labrador. It's a rough one today, but you've seen worse and you know how to handle it. I'll see you in the next one. Stay safe out there.