Rain, snow driven by winds up to 140 km/h knock out power on N.L. east coast

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - After a gorgeous summer coveted in rain-soaked parts of the country, winter landed on Newfoundland's east coast with a gale-force wallop Wednesday.
Winds gusting to 110 km/h were picking up speed as dusk fell, driving a perilous blend of snow and rain that snarled the evening rush-hour commute. Police in St. John's urged drivers to slow down or just stay home amid reports of flying tree branches and assorted debris.
"We've had a very busy day," said Const. Paul Davis of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. "The winds seem to be picking up even more than they were before."
It was a brutal drive home for thousands of drivers in the region as a slick spray of slush and water lashed the Trans-Canada Highway and other major routes.
Wind and rainfall warnings remained in effect into the evening as the temperature hovered around 2C. Environment Canada called for coastal gusts of up to 140 km/h and five centimetres of snow into the night. Conditions were expected to calm by Thursday with a forecast of sun and a high of 7C.
Officials had earlier warned residents to check their sump pumps and pack away loose furniture.
A low pressure system passing just east of the Avalon Peninsula was blamed for the big blow. Power outages were reported in several districts around St. John's.
Police were investigating the death of a 49-year-old man who was driving a garbage truck that went into a ditch in Conception Bay South. Davis said it was unclear if the accident was storm-related.