Stormy Sunday in coastal Newfoundland and much of Labrador

Windy, snowy weather swept through parts of Newfoundland and Labrador Sunday, knocking out power early this morning in Stephenville, Mainland and Channel-Port aux Basques.

On parts of the island and in Labrador, the provincial transportation department advisedof white-out conditions and closed roads.

On the Burin Peninsula, RCMP said a tractor trailer was upside down on Route 210, five kilometres north of Red Harbour and blocking traffic in both directions. Police estimated it would take several hours to reopen the road.

The transportation department reported white-out conditions inthat area and advised drivers to use extreme caution on the Burin and Avalon Peninsulas.

As well, the departmentissued stern warnings to drivers to stay off highways on the west coast of the island around Deer Lake, St. Anthony, Burgeo, Stephenville and the southwest part of the island to Bay St. George.

Parts of the Trans-Labrador Highway from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Cartwright Junction, as well asRed Bay to Lodge Bay have been closed, while the department also advised drivers to stay off other stretches of highway.

Environment Canada issued wind warnings for most of coastal Newfoundland with gusts over100 km/h in places like Wreckhouse and Rocky Harbour topping out at 139 km/h in Channel-Port aux Basques early Sunday morning.

Communities in coastal Labrador also faced strong winds and blowing snow. Around 11 a.m.,Makkovik recorded gusts of 121 km/h, while Nain reported sustained winds between 84 and 107 km/h in the morning.

The fierce winds caused delays and cancellations at airports in St. John's, Deer Lake, Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Marine Atlantic cancelled crossings between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, citing high winds, while Labrador Marine said gale and ice pressure warnings would keep the QajaqW tied up in St. Barbe. Several otherintra-provincial ferries are also not operating.

Environment Canada says strong winds will continue Sunday night and some parts of Labrador and Newfoundland are in for more blowing snow Monday.

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