Batten down the hatches: Avalon Peninsula faces first major snowstorm of the year

A winter storm watch is now in effect for the Avalon Peninsula according to Environment Canada, as the eastern part of the island faces its first major snowstorm of the season on Monday.

Snowfall amounts for the Avalon are now expected to be between 20 and 35 centimetres. That will taper to flurries Monday afternoon. 

As well, winds of up to 110 km/h are expected in the morning.

CBC Meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler says Monday has the possibility to be a snow day. 

"We will likely see blizzard conditions and near-zero visibility through the morning and early afternoon," she said.

The snow will start overnight on Sunday and ramp up in the early morning, with snowfall rates between three and five centimetres falling per-hour.

Brauweiler said winds will pick up in the early morning, around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m., with northeasterly then northwesterly gusts continuing to be between 80-100 km/h through the afternoon, bringing white-out conditions. 

The remainder of eastern Newfoundland and parts of central Newfoundland can expect about 10 to 20 centimetres from the same weather system.

This includes the Burin and Bonavista peninsulas, and the Terra Nova and Clarenville regions.

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