Heavy rain, strong wind, and high waves expected in eastern Newfoundland as Earl nears

Hurricane Earl is expected to become a powerful hurricane-force extratropical low this afternoon.

This afternoon, tonight, and Sunday strong winds are expected across the Avalon Peninsula. The strongest winds will occur tonight. Wind gusts from 70 to 110 km/h are expected.

Rainfall amounts of 75 to 100 mm is possible across eastern sections of the Avalon Peninsula. For the northwestern Avalon rainfall amounts near 50 mm are possible, 15 to 30 mm is expected across the southwestern Avalon.

Swells generated by Earl will affect portions of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland during the next several days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Wave heights of 7 to 10 metres are possible across the southwestern Grand Banks and along the Avalon Peninsula. Across the southeastern Grand Banks waves could reach 12 metres.

Alerts in effect

Wind warning in effect for:

• Avalon Peninsula Southeast

• Avalon Peninsula Southwest

• St. John's and vicinity

Maximum gusts: northeasterly 80 km/h inland to 110 along the most exposed parts of the coast.

Time span: this afternoon until Sunday morning.

Rainfall warning in effect for:

• St. John's and vicinity

Total rainfall: 50-80 mm. Locally higher amounts possible.

Time span: this afternoon through Monday morning.

Tropical cyclone information statement for:

• Avalon Peninsula Southeast

• Avalon Peninsula Southwest

• St. John's and vicinity

Special weather statement for:

• Avalon Peninsula North

Prolonged rainfall associated with Hurricane Earl is expected.

Total rainfall: 40 to 60 mm. Locally higher amounts possible.