Newfoundland, February 2, 2026: Police in eastern Newfoundland have issued a strong warning to motorists to stay off the Trans-Canada Highway until weather conditions improve, as a powerful winter storm continues to batter large parts of the province.
The Holyrood RCMP detachment released the advisory shortly before 10 a.m. NT on Monday, citing multiple reports of vehicles sliding off the road and becoming stuck in deep snow. The region is currently under an orange snowfall warning, with Environment Canada forecasting between 30 and 50 centimetres of snow.
“If you must travel, slow down and use extreme caution,” police said in the advisory. Drivers were also urged to avoid sudden braking and keep their vehicle lights on to improve visibility for others.
The storm has forced widespread closures across eastern and central Newfoundland. Schools in both regions have been closed for the day as heavy snowfall combines with powerful winds to create near-zero visibility in some areas. Wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h have further worsened travel conditions.
St. John’s, the provincial capital, has effectively shut down. Metrobus services have been suspended, municipal buildings are closed, and several services have been cancelled. All courts in the city — including provincial, Supreme, family and appeal courts — are also closed for the day.
Environment Canada noted that temperatures are expected to rise through the day, resulting in wet and dense snowfall. As of 10:30 a.m., St. John’s International Airport had recorded 29 centimetres of snow.
Elsewhere, heavy snowfall is forecast for Clarenville, where accumulations could reach up to 45 centimetres. The Bonavista Peninsula is expected to see as much as 35 centimetres of snow along with strong winds. Central Newfoundland remains under a yellow snowfall warning, though winds there are also forecast to exceed 100 km/h.
The island’s south coast has been placed under a coastal flooding advisory, with high winds and waves ranging between three and five metres.
There was at least one unplanned power outage reported in the metro region around 9 a.m., affecting about 130 customers in Long Pond. No restoration time has been provided.
Meanwhile, snow-clearing operators across the region have been working through the early hours. Mark Baker, owner of Motivated Snowblowing in Southlands, said conditions were challenging due to strong winds blowing snow sideways. He advised residents to take their time while clearing snow and moving vehicles, stressing the importance of maintaining visibility to prevent accidents.
