Newfoundland Town Battles Fierce Storm as Coastal Waves Threaten to Overwhelm
Wanda Waddleton, the mayor of Trepassey, Newfoundland and Labrador, is bracing for severe weather impacts. As a powerful storm approaches, waves are crashing over the seawall in her coastal community. The damage from a previous storm last year has left the breakwater vulnerable to the intense weather conditions expected overnight on Tuesday.
Storm Conditions and Evacuations
As of 6 p.m. local time, Waddleton reported that two families had been evacuated from their homes in the lower coast area. This region, which borders Trepassey’s harbor, is particularly susceptible to coastal flooding and storm surges. “We’re at the mercy of the sea,” Waddleton stated, anticipating damaging winds and waves over the next few hours.
Weather Warnings by Environment Canada
Environment Canada has issued warnings of a storm surge and coastal flooding affecting the southern Avalon Peninsula. These conditions are expected to persist until Wednesday morning, as the storm hovers just offshore. Social media has been flooded with images showing ocean water encroaching onto land in various coastal communities.
- Peak wind gusts near Trepassey reached 165 kilometers per hour by 6:30 p.m.
- In Carbonear, video footage captured a wooden fishing boat tossed by powerful waves.
- Some regions of Newfoundland experienced snowfall, with accumulations of up to 20 centimeters expected.
As of 7:25 p.m., over 8,500 residents across the island were reported without power. Trepassey, which is located approximately 105 kilometers southwest of St. John’s, has around 400 residents. The lower coast area, the site of recent evacuations, is now barricaded due to the pounding waves.
Community Response and Preparedness
Waddleton and her neighbors are prepared for the storm, with generators at the ready. She has offered shelter to any remaining residents in distress. “The waves are coming in the whole length of the breakwater,” she remarked, expressing her astonishment at the storm’s intensity.
This is a developing situation, and local authorities are closely monitoring the weather conditions. Further updates will be provided as the storm progresses and its effects become clearer.
