Much of Newfoundland and Labrador under winter storm warning as thousands lose electricity

Christmas Day was accompanied by several weather warnings across Canada, with a forecast for a thick blanket of snow in Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and nostril-sticking temperatures in the west.

Much of Newfoundland and Labrador is under a winter storm warning, with Environment Canada calling for blizzard-like conditions and 50 centimetres of snow for the Cartwright area along the east coast of Labrador starting Thursday.

The weather agency says up to 40 centimetres of snow could fall elsewhere in the province with winds gusts reaching up to 120 kilometres an hour, resulting in poor visibility and blowing snow.