NL Power Outages Possible as Strong Winds Hit Newfoundland

NL power outages are possible across parts of Newfoundland on Saturday, September 19, as a strong wind system moves across the island and brings gusts of up to 110 km/h in exposed coastal areas.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind alerts and special weather statements for areas including coastal Newfoundland and the St. John’s region. The strongest winds are expected during the afternoon, evening and, in some locations, overnight Saturday.

Newfoundland Power has warned that high winds can bring down trees, utility poles and power lines. Crews are positioned to respond if weather-related outages develop.

NL power outages remain a storm risk

Environment Canada’s warning for coastal areas from Green Bay to the Baie de Verde Peninsula calls for maximum gusts of 100 to 110 km/h. The agency said fully leafed trees are more vulnerable to wind damage in September than during the winter, increasing the risk of broken branches and contact with electrical infrastructure.

For St. John’s and nearby communities, the forecast calls for westerly or northwesterly winds gusting to about 90 km/h, with stronger gusts possible along exposed coastal locations.

The weather agency identified scattered utility outages as one possible impact and advised residents to secure loose outdoor items. It also recommended keeping basic emergency supplies, including flashlights and batteries, available in case the power supply is interrupted.

Where residents can check outages

Newfoundland Power’s outage centre provides information for customers in its service territory. The utility says its public outage information is updated every 10 minutes and generally displays known outages affecting 25 or more customers.

The company’s map does not cover every community in the province. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro serves the remainder of the province, and customers in those areas should use Hydro’s outage information or call its 24-hour customer service line.

Estimated restoration times can change as crews reach damaged equipment, assess the condition of poles and wires, and determine whether additional repairs are required.

What to do if the power goes out

• Check the relevant utility’s outage page before reporting a possible widespread interruption.
• Use flashlights instead of candles where possible.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food temperatures.
• Unplug sensitive electronics if the outage is accompanied by repeated surges.
• Use generators outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents.
• Keep a phone, medications, warm clothing and essential supplies accessible.

Residents should never approach a fallen wire, even if it appears inactive. A downed line may still be energized, and water or nearby metal objects can increase the danger.

Downed power lines require extra distance

Newfoundland Power advises people to stay well away from downed lines and damaged poles. Anyone who encounters a fallen line should assume it is live, keep others away and report it to the utility.

Drivers should not attempt to cross an area where a line has fallen onto a vehicle or roadway. If a line is touching a vehicle, occupants should remain inside unless there is an immediate fire or other life-threatening danger.

Emergency services should be contacted when a fallen line creates an immediate threat to people, blocks a major road or is involved in a collision.

Storm conditions expected to ease Sunday

Forecast conditions are expected to improve on Sunday, September 20, with a mix of sun and cloud and lower winds compared with Saturday. However, residents should continue checking local utility updates because damage discovered after the strongest winds pass can delay restoration.

At the time of this update, no verified provincewide customer-outage total was available. Outage conditions can change quickly as the storm reaches different parts of Newfoundland, so residents should rely on the official outage maps and alerts for their community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fact-Checked: Key weather, outage-service and safety information was checked against Environment Canada, Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro sources.

Disclaimer: Weather and outage conditions can change rapidly; readers should follow official utility and emergency alerts for their location.