Winter storm to kick off Friday afternoon, with falling snow and gusting winds

Another winter storm is heading for Newfoundland's east coast, prompting Environment Canada to issue another round of winter weather warnings.

The winter storm warnings cover the St. John's region and the southeast Avalon Peninsula. On top of that, a blowing snow advisory is also in effect for the Avalon Peninsula North and Avalon Peninsula Southwest areas.

"By midday we'll start seeing some flurries here in the metro area," said CBC meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler.

"Most of eastern Newfoundland will get some snow. And we're already starting to see the snow show up on the radar for … the southern Avalon."

The heaviest snow will fall over the eastern Avalon, she said, adding she's expecting to see between 10 to 20 cm fall.

"I think the most of the snow will fall right on the eastern edge of the Avalon and then we'll see a lot less snow as you head further west," Brauweiler said.

She said the western portion of the Avalon could see five to 10 centimetres of snow, and the Bonavista to Burin regions will likely see between two to five centimetres.

Brauweiler said the snowfall will be heaviest in the afternoon.

"We could be talking about snowfall rates as high as one to maybe two or even three centimetres an hour following this afternoon. And then eventually, as we get to later this evening, that snow will taper off."

In the late afternoon, Brauweiler said the winds will be gusting near 60 kilometres per hour, and then in the evening it could go from 60 to 80 kilometres an hour.

Visibility will be reduced due to a combination of snowfall and strong winds later in the afternoon, she said.

"But the weather will improve as we head through the overnight," she said.

Brauweiler said there is good news coming, as the weekend is looking to be "lovely" though chilly.

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