Here is a brief summary of winter severe weather events in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The winter of 2002-03 generally had below-normal temperatures and above-normal snowfall throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For the first time in many years Gander Lake, which is 32 miles long and 1000 feet deep, completely froze over. Several record-breaking snowfalls were observed. During a one week period in January, St. John’s recorded nearly 100 cm of snowfall as three major storms buffeted eastern Newfoundland, closing schools and businesses and disrupting all modes of travel.

On February 25th and 26th the Northern Peninsula and Southern Labrador were paralyzed by a blizzard stranding hundreds of people. In the community of St. Anthony school children from outlying communities were forced to spend two unexpected days and nights at school due to winds gusting to over 90 km/h creating five-metre high drifts. In an area accustomed to severe storms, some residents said it was the worst storm they had ever seen.