ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Vicious gales ripped through Newfoundland and Labrador Saturday, tipping over cars, downing power lines and damaging homes in the fiercest storm the province has seen in more than a decade, according to Environment Canada. Hurricane-force winds prompted police to urge drivers to clear off the roads while emergency crews dealt with the damage. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a statement advising motorists to avoid "all non-emergency travel" until the blustery weather subsides. Flights were grounded at St. John's International Airport, where winds gusted up to 158 km/hr, the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane, according to Environment Canada. Meteorologist Wanda Batten said peak wind speeds in some areas broke records previously held by hurricane Igor in 2010.
"This is the strongest storm we've seen in more than a decade," Batten said Saturday. "It blew through three-quarters of the island today and it's still going."
Ferry crossings in the region were cancelled. The province's transportation department announced that several roads have been closed due to white-out conditions...Adina Bresge, CTV News
