You think you got Snow??

Blizzard shuts down eastern Newfoundland


Canadian Press


Tuesday, February 20, 2007



A resident digs out a car following a snowstorm in St. John's on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007 that dumped more than 30 centimetres on the city. (CP PHOTO/ Rhonda Hayward)


ST. JOHN'S, N.L. (CP) - A blizzard shut down much of eastern Newfoundland on Tuesday, closing schools, businesses and roads, and leaving many parts of the region impassable.

The storm, which began Monday and continued through the night, left as much as 30 centimetres of snow in some areas and brought 110-kilometre-per-hour winds.

"I have seen similar in Norway as well, but not very often," said Geir Gudbrandsen, who moved to St. John's a month ago.

"I enjoy winter but I'm also looking forward to a milder season," said the 62-year-old while shovelling his driveway.

"I have to take it with good humour."

Other residents weren't as understanding.

"I think it sucks," said Steve Wyatt, 50.

Many flights in and out of St. John's International Airport were delayed or cancelled throughout the day and government buildings were shut.

Snow drifts in downtown St. John's left several cars nearly completely buried.

Newfoundland has a well-earned reputation for its wild weather.

Many storms that travel east across the continent intensify off the eastern United States before heading into the North Atlantic, particularly between November and March.

St. John's receives more snow, rain, wind, fog and cloud cover than any other major Canadian city, according to Environment Canada.

© Canadian Press 2007 http://www.canada.com/globaltv/natio...5-d364b793205d