A prolonged, major snowstorm continues to slam Eastern Newfoundland, with almost 40 centimeters down in some parts of the region. Schools and post-secondary institutions are closed for the second straight day. Many government offices are also not open, and numerous flights have been cancelled.

According to NTV Chief Meteorologist Eddie Sheerr, the area of low pressure driving the storm continues to lash the Island with snow and wind this morning. Based on current observations, the heaviest snow looks to be falling around the northeast coast and back into parts of Central, with lighter rates on either side. Here are some snowfall amounts so far:

• St. John’s International: 25 cm (Thru 5:30 AM)
• Gander Airport: 44 cm (thru 5:30 AM)
• St. John’s East: 36 cm (thru 10:30 PM yesterday)
• CBS: 36 cm (thru 10:30 PM yesterday)
• Paradise: 39 cm (thru 10:30 PM yesterday)

Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for central, northeastern, and eastern Newfoundland today. They will remain in effect into Friday morning before expiring as the snow ultimately wraps up. Remember, Winter Storm Warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together. In this case, it’s snow and wind.

The Trans-Canada Highway to Witless Bay is closed. Roads are snow-covered across the entire Island this morning. Travel is not recommended through most of central Newfoundland. Visibility is reduced on most of the Avalon Peninsula and through central and portions of the south coast.

Marine Atlantic crossings for this morning are cancelled and crossings could be impacted tonight. The majority of provincial ferries are not operating this morning due to severe weather.

Also, due to adverse weather conditions, NL Health services is advising that their Eastern community health sites are closed. This closure includes both urban and rural community health sites and administrative buildings that do not provide 24-hour service, with the exception of the dialysis treatment centres in Mount Pearl and Clarenville.

Eddie Sheerr will be live on NTV Newsday, as well as throughout the afternoon on NTV, to provide the latest information. Reporter Becky Daley is also following the storm and will have reports in NTV First Edition and the NTV Evening Newshour.