Mother Nature is stepping up for the winter with the island’s first major snowfall forecast hitting a large chunk of the territory. About 6 inches (15 cm) is expected to fall by Saturday in the Northern Peninsula, parts of the west coast, central Newfoundland and the northeast coast. The southern half of the island, including Avalon and the Port aux Basques area, will have a lot of water. David Neal, a meteorologist at the Gander Bureau of Meteorology, says the dirty weather is the result of the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole merging with another system from the west. The trick will zero in on the dividing line between rain and snow. Early data shows 50-80mm of rain in the southern half and 15cm of snow for the northern half. He says the incoming storm will merge with another system moving in from the west. “This will be the system that will move … toward Newfoundland,” Neal says. The provincial government is closely monitoring forecasts and says the province can expect high waves and storm surges along the coast. Municipalities are being asked to review their emergency management plans to ensure roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris.
