Atlantic Canada cleaning up after blizzard deals wintry blow, winds to linger

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Clean up efforts are underway in the Atlantic provinces after a powerful blizzard bore down on the region.

The storm whipped through the Maritimes Friday before passing southeast of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula overnight, cancelling flights and causing whiteout driving conditions.

Environment Canada meteorologist David Neil says although the storm has moved offshore, high winds are expected to linger in eastern Newfoundland today.

He says winds could reach up to 100 kilometres per hour and are already causing blowing snow in some areas.

Meanwhile, forecasters say a frigid Arctic air mass is persisting over northwestern portions of Newfoundland, where cold temperatures and strong winds will produce wind chill values reaching -35 C.

In southern Ontario, Environment Canada is warning of heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures for Sunday evening.