Full Breakdown
Severe Winter Storm Hits Eastern Newfoundland
2/18/2026, 10:16:30 PM
Core Event: Impact of the Winter Storm
A significant winter storm has affected eastern Newfoundland, particularly the Avalon Peninsula and the capital city of St. John's, leading to widespread service disruptions and power outages. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 3,000 customers of Newfoundland Power were without electricity due to heavy snowfall and high winds. The storm has resulted in the closure of schools, government offices, and public transport services, with reports of over 50 centimeters of snow accumulation in some areas.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Environment Canada issued an orange storm warning for the Bonavista and northern Avalon peninsulas, indicating anticipated damage or disruptions from severe weather. Meteorologist Rob Carroll noted that snowfall at St. John's International Airport reached 22 centimeters by 6:30 a.m., with an additional 20 to 40 centimeters expected throughout the day. Winds gusting up to 100 km/h in coastal areas have contributed to poor visibility and blowing snow conditions.
Service Disruptions and Closures
In response to the storm, the provincial government announced the closure of all offices on Wednesday, and school closures were expanded into central Newfoundland. Public transport services, including Metrobus and GoBus, were suspended for the day. The storm also caused significant disruptions at St. John's International Airport, where numerous flights were cancelled, with the last flight arriving just before midnight on Tuesday.
Criticism & Opposition: Public Response
Residents have expressed frustration over the ongoing severe weather conditions, which have led to "storm fatigue" after a particularly harsh winter. Newfoundland Power spokesperson Glenda Power acknowledged the challenges faced by customers, emphasizing that restoration times would vary and that further outages could occur as the storm continued.
Official Statements & Responses
Newfoundland Power has been actively working to restore power, with crews deployed overnight to assess damages and make repairs. Power stated, "We’re not through the storm yet... But we have our crews out." The provincial government and school boards have taken precautionary measures by closing facilities and cancelling services to ensure public safety during the storm.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Newfoundland Power reported about 3,000 customers without electricity, Global News indicated that approximately 1,000 customers were without power by noon. Additionally, snowfall measurements varied, with some areas reporting over 55 centimeters, while Environment Canada projected up to 60 centimeters by Thursday morning.
What's Next: Ongoing Monitoring
As the storm progresses, authorities will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on service restorations and safety advisories. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and heed warnings from weather agencies.
