Powerful storm to slam the province this weekend

A potent winter storm is getting set to have a profound impact on Newfoundland and Labrador this weekend.

On Saturday the south coast and the Avalon Peninsula will see mostly rain. Snow or ice pellets, followed by freezing rain and then rain, will occur elsewhere across the island.

Snowfall amounts will range from trace amounts in the east to as high as 10 cm over parts of western Newfoundland. Rainfall amounts will range from 5 mm over western and central Newfoundland to between 10 and 20 mm in the east. Some areas west of the Avalon may also receive several hours of freezing precipitation during the transition from snow to rain.

Winds will be very strong ranging from gusts to 80 to 140 km/h for areas under the wind warning to 150 km/h in the Wreckhouse area.

For the southwestern coast of Newfoundland wave heights of 4 to 6 metres is expected.

In Labrador widespread blowing snow is expected. In Red Bay to L'Anse-au-Clair 15 to 20 cm of snow and ice pellets is expected combined with wind gusts to 80 km/h.

There are several weather alerts in effect for this weekend:

Rainfall warning issued for: Avalon Peninsula Southeast Avalon Peninsula Southwest Burin Peninsula Connaigre Burgeo - Ramea Channel-Port aux Basques and vicinity

Storm surge warning issued for: Burgeo - Ramea Channel-Port aux Basques and vicinity

Wind warning continued for: Corner Brook and vicinity Gros Morne Bay St. George Parson's Pond - Hawke's Bay Northern Peninsula East Port Saunders and the Straits Burgeo - Ramea Channel-Port aux Basques and vicinity

Winter storm warning issued for: Red Bay to L'Anse-au-Clair

Blowing snow advisory issued for: Northern Peninsula East Port Saunders and the Straits Churchill Valley Churchill Falls and vicinity Labrador City and Wabush Norman Bay to Lodge Bay Cartwright to Black Tickle Rigolet and vicinity Upper Lake Melville Eagle River

Special weather statement continued for: Avalon Peninsula North St. John's and vicinity Corner Brook and vicinity Deer Lake - Humber Valley Gros Morne Bay St. George Buchans and the interior Grand Falls-Windsor and vicinity Bay of Exploits Bonavista North Bonavista Peninsula Clarenville and vicinity Gander and vicinity Green Bay - White Bay Terra Nova Postville - Makkovik Hopedale and vicinity Nain and vicinity