Mother Nature sets new snowfall record in central Newfoundland

Gander has set a new record as central and parts of eastern Newfoundland go through a late-season snowstorm.

Snowfall began Wednesday evening, setting a record of 20.2 centimetresfor May 23.

The snow continued to be heavy overnight, and another 12 centimetreshad fallenby 7:30 a.m. NT Thursday.

"Good exercise, but I'm rotted," said Amber Bennett, who had to find her shovel which was stored for the summer she expected.

At 5:45 a.m. Thursday, she was putting it to work.

LorneMaxwell was shovelling outon Bennett Drivein Gander.

"If I was smart, I'd move to Florida or somewhere," he laughed. "Other than that, it's Newfoundland. It could be worse."

Snowfall warnings were in effectfrom Terra Nova to Grand Falls-Windsor, and schools in the area were closed for the morning, with another five to 10 centimetres expected during the day.

Western Newfoundland wasalso getting snow. In White Bay, a snowplow operated by the department of transportation collided with a passenger vehicle around 5:30 a.m.

The accident happened on Route 420known as the Hampton Highway.

Two people in the SUV were taken to hospital and treated for injuries. The plow operator was not hurt, according to the department.